Stewards of the Environment

The “Good Stewards of the Environment” Program, created in 2008, is the first program established by the North Carolina Society of Hispanic Professionals (NCSHP) that focuses on science. The program aligns with the North Carolina Standard Course of Study in grades 6-9. The “Good Stewards of the Environment” Science Program is an extracurricular program designed to peak the interest of Hispanic students in order for them to pursue science as a career. 

Throughout the program students learn the process of scientific investigation through research, experimentation and discussion of the current environmental concerns for our water, soil and our atmosphere.  Each year, the NCSHP will choose 30 different students to participate in the program with no cost to the student.
The “Good Stewards of the Environment” Science Program is funded by a Science Enrichment Grant from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund.

Please click here for a printable program brochure.

Important Dates

Application packages will be available Jan. 14, 2011. They can be obtained by writing or calling the NCSHP or by downloading an application.  Final applications must be postmarked by May 7, 2011. Award announcements will be mailed by May 30, 2011.

Eligibility Criteria

•Applicant is of Hispanic background (one parent must be fully Hispanic or both parents must be half Hispanic).

• Applicant is a rising 7th, 8th or 9th grade student in Wake County, Durham County, Orange County, Johnston County, or Chatham County.

Selection Criteria

Please submit the following items in one sealed envelope to the NCSHP by March 1st, 2011. 

  • 2 letters of recommendation:  Please submit 2 letters of recommendation one from your science teacher and one from another teacher, principal, employer or other community leader who can discuss the applicant’s:
  • Current academic status
  • Academic and extracurricular achievements
  • Personal qualities such as motivation, commitment, and leadership
  • Potential for success and contributions to your community

Recommendation letters need to be placed in an envelope and sealed by the person giving the recommendation.

  • 2010 1st Semester Report Card
  • Personal statement: An essay of 200 words addressing briefly each of the following topics:
    • Why you are interested in this program?
    • Describe your feelings on the current health of our environment.
    • Do you think that your generation should be concerned with the health of our environment?

The Personal statement is one of the most important selection criteria. It should be written with care.

PROGRAM DETAILS
The goal of this project is to give students a chance to learn through observation, exploration and experimentation how to be a good steward of their environment.

Tentative Schedule for 2011 program:

May
21st - Introduction Session at the NC School of Science and Math

June
20th - Stream Investigation with NC State Centennial Campus
21st - Water Testing, Soil Testing and Plankton Surveying at Jordan Lake
22nd - Water Testing, Soil Testing and Water Bugs Activity at Eno River
23rd - Water Testing Test and Soil testing at Falls Lake
24th - Analyze data from water testing at Jordan Lake, Eno River and Falls Lake at the NC School of Science and Math

July
11th - Travel to New Bern, Water and Soil Testing of the Neuse River in New Bern
12th - Travel to Morehead City area, Water and Soil Testing at Pamlico Sound
13th - Tour Rachel Carson Island to learn about the Estuary Ecosystem
14th - Hammocks Beach State Park to learn more about environmental resource management and how nature can reduce pollution and human impact.
15th - Travel home

August
1st - Water Quality Discussion with John Schaefer at EPA
2nd - Science Career Presentation at EPA
3rd - Tour Cary Wastewater Reclamation Plant
Start of the Academic Year (meetings will occur on Saturday’s)

September
10th - Sedimentation Activity at the Eno River State Park

October
15th - Invasive Species Presentation and Removal at Eno River

November
5th - Canoe Trip at Umstead State Park – Big Lake

January
7th - Water Conservation Presentation with the Durham Public Utilities at the NC School of Science and Math

February
4th - Prepare for the student poster session at the NC School of Science and Math

March
3rd  - Prepare for the student poster session at the NC School of Science and Math

End of March
Students will share their findings with their peers at the Annual NCSHP Student Summit through a poster session.