Teen Summer Programs
Summer Field Research
Students participating in our summer field research courses have the unique opportunity to investigate the health and biodiversity of Yosemite National Park with park scientists and researchers.
Our individual enrollment courses are 2 weeks long and offer a physically and academically rewarding summer experience. We also offer or shorter courses designed specifically for your school or organization. Courses focus on several strands:
- Wilderness skills and backpacking
- Sierra Nevada ecology
- Specific research questions
During the field research component of the course, students will collect and analyze data in the field, then prepare reports and presentations to be given to National Park resource managers and scientists. Potential research projects include:
- Hydrology of Tuolumne tributaries with a focus on aquatic insect biodiversity
- Terrestrial invertebrate diversity of mountain meadows
- Bear ecology and management.
- Assessment of tree invasion in subalpine meadows
Community college credit will be available to students enrolled in these courses.
Custom courses are also available!
Course topics and dates:
- Summer Research Field Experience
- July 26 to August 8
Cost: $1750 Minimum course requirements: Enrolling students must be at least 16 years old and have completed at least 1 year of high school biology.
Community college credit will be available to students enrolled in these courses.
Register today or request more info!
Help spread the word! Download our course flier to post at your school.
Lead instructor: Todd Newburger, M.S. Yosemite Institute field scientist
Todd has taught field science courses in Australia, Washington, Colorado, and California. He has worked with students on research projects in Yosemite National Park for 2 years. He will be assisted by a Yosemite Institute field science educator.
More course details:
Course forms:
- Scholarship application
- Registration
- Medical history
- Pre-trip questionnaire and acknowledgement of risk
Equipment, clothing, and travel tips:
- Equipment and clothing information and checklist
- Transportation options to Yosemite
- Driving directions to Yosemite
- Maps to Crane Flat and Curry Village
Register now or request more info.
Help spread the word! Download our course flier to post at your school.
For more details, email our field science project manger or call 209-379-9511.
