UCSD Muir College will award $1000 to $5,000 for up to 3 UC San Diego undergraduates who are committed to introducing young people (ages 6-24) from marginalized communities to the outdoors and outdoor adventure, and helping others to experience the physical, social, cultural, and mental health benefits of spending time in outdoor spaces. 

Ideal candidates should have both an interest in expanding outdoor access and a desire to grow their own knowledge, skills, attitudes, and experiences. The Outdoor Access for Youth Award supports students who envision a just, equitable, and sustainable future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and a direct connection to nature.

View full eligibility details and application instructions below.

Award Description

Today, far too many communities struggle with environmental issues, including limited access to parks and green spaces, especially in low-income and minority areas due to historical discrimination. This lack of access contributes to health problems, as youth spend more time indoors. Racial disparities persist in outdoor spaces globally, stemming from a history of exclusion. The Outdoor Access for Youth Award aims to address these challenges by supporting students in empowering youth to reconnect with nature and foster human-nature relationships. 

Eligibility Requirements

The award is available to all registered UC San Diego undergraduate students with at least sophomore status. This award is intended for students who are interested in researching and/or developing a project to increase outdoor access for youth on a small or large scale, with an impact upon their future education or career goals. The award period is for summer 2024, but the chosen candidate can begin work in spring 2024 quarter and complete the project by the end of the fall 2024 quarter.

Examples may include students who propose to:

- Envision a summer project to get youth outside and want funding to implement.

- Work in an outdoor setting with youth and want to connect their academic interests in ways that impact youth outdoor access.

- Create a summer project to study and document the effects of outdoor activities for young people.

- Connect youth and young adults to the outdoors and outdoor adventure and want to document their experience.

- Conduct research into strategies for incorporating the outdoors into school or out-of-school time for youth.

- Draw connections between racism, bias, and access to the outdoors and develop potential solutions.

- Research the bridge between outdoor experiences as a youth and becoming a climate or environmental activist as an adult.

Additional Selection Criteria

1) The impact of receiving the award on the education and career of the awardee.

2) The potential long-term impact on young people who will be served by the work of the awardee.

3) Demonstrated understanding of the effects of, and possible antidotes to environmental discrimination and dispossession.

4) A supportive faculty mentor who will help advise the project.

How to Apply

- Undergraduate students of any college can apply via the Triton Research and Experiential Learning Scholarship portal. 

- For the last question, “Clarification of Responses”, please write, “I would like to be considered for the Outdoor Access for Youth Award.”

- It will strengthen your application to tailor your responses in ways that speak to the award description and criteria.

Questions? Email muirprov@ucsd.edu

Image: Reno Inspiring Connections Outdoors