BLM/Anchorage School District, School Business Partnership

Walking across a glacier, capturing and tagging harbor seals, identifying some of the unique plants in Alaska, living in a remote field camp – these are just some of the activities of the high school students who volunteer to work at the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM’s) Bering Glacier camp.  Each summer a small group of high school students turn into scientists and actively participate in helping researchers study global climate change, glaciology, botany, paleontology, wildlife biology, and other environmental sciences.  This unique opportunity is made possible through the BLM School Business Partnership with the Anchorage School District. 

During the field season a number of university scientists work at the glacier.  Each student is assigned to a scientist to assist in his or her field work and data collection, and will learn about the purpose of each project.  While working with the scientists, students will come to understand the unique and complex environment that surrounds Bering Glacier.  Working alongside university scientists in one of the most unique environments in the world is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a life-changing event for students in the program.  Here are some of their observations after a summer at the glacier:

“I only can describe my experience here with one simple awesome word:  “awesome.”

–Garrett

“There are no words to describe an incredible adventure.  Everything that happened here will stay with me forever, even if I never come back.  I learned a lot more than you would think and even if I don’t become a scientist, I will always have respect for what they do.” –Elizabeth

“The Bering Glacier – the coolest place I have ever been.”  –Nichole

“This was the most excellent chance to do what I love – live and study the outdoors.”

–Sean

Each spring a volunteer job opportunity announcement for this program is distributed to the career resource offices of each Anchorage-area high school.  To apply, students must submit a resume with an advisor or teacher’s recommendation, and a cover letter.  The application must be submitted through the student’s guidance or career resource counselor.  Applicants must be Anchorage School District high school students who have completed their sophomore year and have maintained a minimum cumulative 2.0 high school grade point average.  Students are evaluated on their personal interview, grade point average, interest in science, oral and written skills, and their familiarity with the environment.  Once a student is selected for the program, they meet with the BLM Bering Camp project managers and receive orientation about the purpose and mission of the BLM, Bering Glacier camp operations, and the summer’s schedule.  Before going to camp for the summer, students are trained in aviation safety, bear behavior, boating safety, ATV safety training, and first aid.