Environmental Service Learning Scholarship
About the Program
The goal of the Environmental Service Learning Scholarship is to inspire high school students to advance their education and take a lifelong, active role in protecting the environment in their urban communities and discover their own ability to initiate change. The program provides access to cultural exchange and environmental education for city youth from economically disadvantaged families who would not otherwise have the opportunity. Students participate in a 10-day immersion program in Costa Rica that includes volunteer projects, environmental education classes and cultural activities and accommodation with local host families. In 2012, the program will take place from July 15 to 24.
Program History
The Environmental Service Learning Scholarship was inaugurated in 2010 with four Chicago high school students. Scholarship recipients are recruited by the Chicago-based Daniel Murphy Foundation (DMFS) and High Sight organizations. Each year students travel to Costa Rica for 2 weeks in July. Since its inception, the scholarship has given 9 students the chance to experience environmental activities and cultural immersion in Costa Rica.
Sponsor a Student
In an effort to bring the benefits of cultural exchange to a diverse range of students as possible, the Center for Cultural Interchange and Greenheart Travel have implemented this scholarship program for economically disadvantaged American high school students. Cultural exchange is not only an enriching life experience, but an opportunity to engage in social awareness and global understanding. By funding a full or partial scholarship, individuals and/or organizations can provide a deserving and motivated student with a life changing experience that will open their minds to the world around them, leading them to heightened career and academic goals and helping them discover the potential within themselves to realize them.
Meet Luzmaria, 2010 scholarship recipient
A Special Thanks to Our 2011 Sponsors and Donors:
What Do Students Gain?
Through journals and final evaluations of the program, participants expressed that the program changed their perspective on both the world and their lives at home, and that they felt inspired to continue learning about other cultures and protecting the environment as a result of the experience.
2011 participants
"Chicago Scholarship Winners Define What it Means to be Rich in Costa Rica" - Greenheart Travel blog
"From Cicero to Costa Rica: Service trip will be learning experience for local teen Lily Davila" - Berwyn Life, Berwyn, IL
“I will continue to live Pura Vida in Chicago by being more environmentally conscious, not only myself, but I will inform the peers that surround me. I will also be more thankful about the small things in life because those small things make a big difference.” -- Maricarmen de la Rosa, 2011 scholarship participant
2010 participants
"The Journey to Costa Rica: Expecting the Unexpected" - Greenheart Travel blog
"CCI Scholarship Winner Alumna Reflects on Life Changing Experiences" - Luzmaria Guzman, Greenheart Travel blog
"Arce makes education, volunteering priorities" - Southtown Star, Tinley Park, IL
“Before this trip, dozens of doors were unknown to me. I didn’t know about the doors that led to a true love of nature, a foreign country, traveling and the different people of the world.” -- Braulio Fernandez, 2010 scholarship participant
Profile of Our Students
- Recipients are Chicago-area teens between the ages of 15-18.
- Come from families that are economically disadvantaged based upon U.S. Department of Health & Human Services poverty guidelines.
- Students are selected by a school program or student support/mentoring organization that enhances regular school curriculum.
- Students are committed to their academic success, exhibit a strong interest in ecology and the environment and maintain at least a B average.
For More Information
If you would like more information on how to sponsor a participant, please contact Claudia Curran at 312-944-2544, x1752 or email ccurran@cci-exchange.org.