Earth Corps is a selective field-based program that offers motivated, environmentally conscious students the opportunity to live and learn in the incredible natural classroom of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range. The program is designed to integrate key lessons in environmental studies with the completion of a critical environmental restoration project. Run by the Rocky Mountain Field Institute in partnership with the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Earth Corps attracts exceptional students from across the nation and the world to participate in this unique service learning opportunity.
"The mountains are calling and I must go." - John Muir
Earth Corps was created to provide undergraduate students with the opportunity to directly address a critical environmental threat while immersed in a backcountry wildland environment. This hands-on program combines environmental education with environmental stewardship through an intensive 30-day field study. For the duration of the program, participants live and work in a remote setting, complete long hours of very demanding physical labor at altitudes of 11-14,000+ feet, work effectively as a team, exercise the highest level of commitment and perseverance, and make enduring friendships. Students will develop key outdoor skills during the program and through their summits of nearby peaks. They will practice and learn Leave No Trace, backcountry navigation, alpine mountaineering, and risk management. Upon successful completion of the program, each student will receive 4 hours of credit from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (GES 446: Field Studies in Geography).
Earth Corps is a highly selective and demanding environmental education and service course started in 2002 by the Rocky Mountain Field Institute. The program includes lectures from top-level experts in the fields of geography, environmental studies, and biology, as well as industry professionals. Through student-led discussions, RMFI puts strong emphasis on developing critical thinking skills. Reading assignments, individual research reports, and a final examination complete the curriculum. This program strives to take advantage of the tremendous educational opportunities that spending 30 days in the backcountry presents. The program is open to undergraduate students from colleges and universities throughout the U.S.
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To Apply
Please submit the following to RMFI electronically or by mail:
- RMFI Program Application Form
- Cover letter stating interest in the program and qualifications
- Current resume
- 2-page scholarship application letter (if applicable)