Why EPI’s Student Travel Programs?
Change a Child. Change the World.
Ecology Project International is a nonprofit, educational organization like no other. We combine travel to remarkable places, serious field science, conservation efforts and authentic cultural interaction to improve our students’ awareness, understanding, knowledge, confidence and academic skill sets. We make a difference in the world one student at a time.
An Idea Born In the Field.
In the 90s, our co-founders, Scott Pankratz and Julie Osborn were working and studying in Costa Rica, independently. Both recognized that in spite of prolific scientific studies and federal protection, many critical habitats and species continued to decline. Sea turtle eggs were sold at local markets and piles of trash washed up on the beach during rainstorms. Most of the researchers in the area with were foreign, and few spoke Spanish.
They realized that unless locals value wildlife for something more than breakfast, scientific efforts would fail. They also realized that locals can’t value what they don’t understand. In short, Scott and Julie needed a way to involve local villages in the work of conservation.
In May of 2000, they launched EPI’s first program for Costa Rican students and teachers. Amazingly, though most of the students lived within five miles of the project site, none had ever seen a live sea turtle before. The students worked with Reserve staff to measure the turtles, tag them, count their eggs, and sometimes move the eggs to a safer location so poachers wouldn’t find them. The researchers at the Reserve used the data that the students collected to monitor the local sea turtle population. And the experience prompted students to work in their villages to protect their wildlife resources. The tide began to turn.
Growing Up to Be a Conservation Leader.
Since that first class, Ecology Project International has become a leader in active conservation education. We offer five programs in four vitally important conservation regions. These programs are scientifically based, working field studies that bring U.S. students and their teachers together with students and teachers from project site areas.
The result is transformative for the people and the place. Visiting students see the perspective of locals and gain field work expertise. Local students see their own backyards through the wide eyes of visiting students. Working scientists get the help they need collecting data and restoring habitat. And, most importantly, the places themselves are improved — trash is removed, migration corridors are opened up, and wildlife populations and survival rates increase.
Our belief in the transformative power of conservation work guides everything we do. Ecology Project International carefully selects the best private and public partners conducting important efforts in every location. We employ truly gifted and inspiring instructors and trip leaders. And we choose accommodations and experiences that are authentic while ensuring participant safety.