Teens ages 13 to 18 learn about current environmental issues, teen action groups, funding opportunities, green college curricula and eco-careers at Planet-Connect.org, where students also share their success stories. It all makes for an exciting exchange of ideas that can shape a lifetime of experience.

One of several current scholarship and award programs, the Apprentice Ecologist Initiative engages youth in environmental conservation and cleanup projects. Sponsored by the National Environmental Education Foundation, applications for this year’s initiative are due by the end of the year.