Global Challenges Summer Camp: Environmental Innovation and Leadership

University Honors Program and College of Arts and Science's Pre-College Institute

The Global Challenges Summer Camp is an opportunity for high school students to engage with environmental issues by creating community with faculty members, college mentors, and elementary-aged youth in Lincoln. Since the best way to learn is to teach, high school students will work alongside UNL students to create hands-on activities and appropriate environmental lessons to help Nebraska youth understand environmental challenges and become environmental stewards.

Additionally, campers will learn how to engage in advocacy work to promote a more sustainable world.

As a member of the Global Challenges Summer Camp, you will:

Start each day with a "spark talk" about a new environmental issue, topic, or challenge
Learn beginner language skills in one of three strategic languages: Chinese, Russian, or Spanish
Visit Reller Prairie to see sustainability in action
Engage in discussions, simulations, and hands-on workshops
Mentor K-5 youth from Lincoln Community Learning Centers
Learn about the college application process

Connect with local activists and UNL faculty members
Belong to a community of students who are highly motivated and enjoy intellectual challenges
Collaborate with Nebraska Honors Students
Create a research project proposal or an Honors club
Discover the ongoing sustainability efforts and challenges in Nebraska
Express your passion through art and advocacy

Fast Facts

When: July 17-30, 2022
Where: University of Nebraska - Lincoln campus with field trips to Reller Prairie Field Station
- Residential students will be housed in Knoll Residential Center
- Commuter students will return home each night
Cost: $1,500 for residential students, $1,000 for commuter students
- Cost covers: three meals a day, all camp activities, and housing for residential campers
Scholarships: Need-based scholarships are available. Click here to apply.
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors and seniors Capacity: 40 students

Questions? Reach out to Amelia-Marie Altstadt (altstadt@unl.edu, 402-472-2023).

Application Instructions & Deadlines

Prospective Students

This camp is intended for rising high school juniors and seniors who:

Have a passion for environmental policy and/or science.
Are interested in learning a new language to spark a global conversation.
Want to create cross-generational community and to serve as mentors for future leaders.

To apply, complete the following steps:

Request the most recent version of your unofficial, high school transcript. In 300 words or less, write up your answer to the question:
- "Why do you hope to attend this camp and what do you hope to to learn?" Complete the camp application here.
If applicable, apply for a need-based scholarship here.

Questions? Reach out to Amelia-Marie Altstadt (altstadt@unl.edu, 402-472-2023).

We encourage applications from students of all backgrounds, experiences and identities. We especially encourage students from racial and ethnic minorities, students who are the first in their family to apply to college, and students who face economic challenges accessing high education and opportunities such as this one, LGBTQA+ identified students.