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Alcoa scholarship gives budding young scientists the chance to visit the US

Victoria RificiMandurah Coastal Times

TEENS with a passion for the environment will have the opportunity to travel to the US for a field science expedition experience.

Alcoa will choose students, aged 16 to 18 years, to attend a two-week academic journey to either Yosemite National Park, California, or Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, during July and August.

Successful applicants would be among 55 young people from communities where Alcoa operates around the world.

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Since the start of the program in 2014, it has connected 233 like-minded teenagers from across the world, including 40 from Australia, who have built lifelong friendships based on the shared experience.

Pinjarra Senior High School student Gabrielle Rotairo said she achieved more than she thought she would be capable of in trekking Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.

“The whole experience was life changing,” she said.

“Not only did I learn about the environment but I learned a lot about myself.

“It was physically challenging and it made me mentally stronger.

“It is by far the best thing I have done in my life.”

The Alcoa Foundation scholarship covers the full cost of the program, international flights and, if necessary, passport and visa applications.

Applications are open until 5 March 2018.

To apply visit www.naturebridge.org/alcoascholars.

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