UW Honors - Partners in the Parks - An Experiential Learning Opportunity

Partners in the Parks is an outdoor experiential learning program that partners National Parks with host University Honors programs in the region to create week-long adventures in education. Over the course of these programs, University faculty and National Park employees give students a unique understanding of both the natural and cultural diversity of the park as well as research and management issues unique to the park. Students not only get to see what a park really "is" and "does" by meeting the incredible people whose research and work ensure its survival, but also enjoy recreating in some of America's most scenic destinations.

In 2012 nine programs are being planned in different National Parks across the country. The University of Washington Honors Program is pleased to host its second program in Olympic National Park in August, 2012. Students are encouraged to travel to a park and program not hosted by their own University and instead explore a new region of America. UW Honors students may earn Experiential Learning leadership credit for participating in a Partners in the Parks program. If you are interested in pursuing this, see an Honors adviser for information regarding an additional leadership project and look at our Experiential Learning website for more on the requirement and application process.

Learn more about Partners in the Parks -- and see which Parks will participate this year -- by visiting the website. From there, you can also read more about UW Honors Partners in the Parks programs in Olympic National Park, and enroll in a summer 2012 program!

Rialto Beach with Park Archeologist Dave Conca

Hiking the Snyder-Jackson trail in the Hoh River Valley

In the Hoh

Tree coring with UW Climate Scientist Jeremy Littell

At the top of Klahane Ridge

"Check out the mountain goat!"

"Field" research with ONP Research Coordinator Jerry Freilich

Beautiful wildflowers on the PJ Lake trail

Mist in the trees at the PJ Lake trailhead

Mt. Olympus from Hurricane Ridge

2011 ONP PitP crew

Sunset at Hurricane Ridge

We are especially thrilled this year to be able to offer one Partners in the Parks scholarship that will cover the registration fee of your chosen program.

Please note the following in regards to this award:

Applicants must be UW Honors students in good academic standing within the UW and the Honors Program. Interdisciplinary, Departmental or College Honors students are all eligible.
Applicants must have enrolled in a 2012 Partners in the Parks program. Please note that enrolling in a program does not guarantee or confirm your participation; enrollment is only confirmed once your registration fee has been paid. See the Partners in the Parks website to enroll in a program.
Scholarship funds may only be used towards the registration fee of a 2012 Partners in the Parks program. The registration fee generally does not cover travel costs, gear or lodging before or after the program. Contact the specific program director of your chosen program for questions and details.
Scholarship awardees will be responsible for completing a short written reflection after returning from their summer program, as well as participating in the publicizing of and recruitment for future Partners in the Parks program.

Apply for the scholarship »

Due: February 17, 2012

Questions? Feel free to email or meet with any of the Honors advisers to talk more about Partners in the Parks.