A summer learning adventure for high school students in grades 9-12

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Join us for an outdoor oceanography adventure including a sea kayaking expedition in Eastern Prince William Sound. Based in the coastal Alaskan communities of Cordova and Valdez, this program combines field experience, hands-on activities, and wilderness adventure with the theories and practices of ocean sciences.

• *Live and learn in the Alaskan wilderness
• *Explore the rugged coastlines of Prince William Sound during a 4-day sea kayak expedition
• *Learn about issues in ocean science: marine debris, climate change, effects of marine oil spills
• *Do something good for the planet: reduce marine debris and pollution, and educate others about threats to our marine systems
• *Gain practical experience through exciting hands-on activities and field work
• *Develop your skills: environmental leadership, sea kayaking, backcountry camping and Leave No Trace
• *Get a head start: earn college credit through the University of Alaska – Prince William Sound Community College

Apply now!

download the student application form (PDF)

Scholarships are available!
download the scholarship application form (PDF)

Tenative course schedule

August 4: Arrive in Cordova by air or ferry

August 5-7 (in Cordova, Alaska)
Topics include: physical & chemical properties of water, waves, currents, tides, estuaries, element and nutrient cycling, marine productivity and trophic levels, Leave No Trace and expedition planning
Activities include: kayak skills class; a day kayak trip in Orca Inlet; plankton tows; tidepooling

August 8 (Travel to Valdez by ferry)
Topics include: navigation, marine transportation, and a case study on the Exxon Valdez oil spill

August 9-12 (Kayak Expedition from Columbia Glacier to Valdez, Alaska)
Topics include: climate change and marine debris
Activities include: glacier viewing, water and sediment sample collection, biological diversity surveys, backcountry camping, and a three day kayak paddle from Columbia Bay to Valdez’s harbor.

August 13-14 (in Cordova, Alaska)
Topics include: human uses of marine resources, ocean exploration and management, current ocean issues
Activities include: kayaking, hiking, Ocean Issues Outreach Project, Final Exam and portfolio activities

What to Expect:

This course is physically and mentally challenging. You will be an active member of a small-group learning and living community. Your home and classroom will be the Alaskan wilderness, where you will learn about the ocean and coast through hands-on activities, projects, and lectures from marine scientists.

In Cordova, we’ll stay at a forest campground with outhouses, but no running water or electricity. You’ll sleep on cots in a weatherport with wood floors and enjoy hearty meals in our fully-stocked camp kitchen.

During the sea kayaking expedition, we’ll be camping primitively on remote beaches and practicing Leave-No-Trace ethics. You will sleep in a tent and cook meals as part of a small group of 3 or 4 students, an excellent opportunity for practicing leadership skills.

Since our wilderness home is also home to bears and other wildlife, we’ll teach you the necessary precautions to avoid attracting animals to our campsites. Living in the wilderness will be challenging and different from what you’re used to, but with a sense of adventure you can be comfortable and have fun while getting up close and personal with the environment you’ll be studying.

Previous kayaking experience is not required, but you should be physically fit and comfortable being on the water. Prior to leaving Cordova, you will be expected to demonstrate basic water-safety and swimming skills.

Since engagement and awareness of the natural environment is a key component of all PWSSC education programs, students are not permitted to use cell phones, laptop computers, iPods, or other personal electronics during their course. (Digital cameras are OK; bring at your own risk.)

Tuition includes:

All program activities, meals, and transportation, including airport/ferry pick-up and drop-off. We will provide all group camping and kayak gear; students are responsible for bringing personal gear, including a sleeping bag. (We will send you a detailed packing list.)
A $200 deposit is due upon acceptance. This deposit is your reservation for the program. Space is limited and applications are accepted in the order they are received

Apply Now   Schedule   What to Expect