Apply to be a GeoGirls High School Mentor
Geogirls high school mentors
GeoGirls is a geology and technology field camp for girls (cis and transgender) in Washington and Oregon. It is a chance to explore volcanoes and how scientists monitor them. It is also a time for girls build science confidence, camp and hike in the outdoors and work with professional women scientists. During the course of the overnight field-based camp, girls will tour Mount St. Helens, visit researchers in action, conduct a focused research project with real scientists, visit the USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory and conduct a volcanic crisis mission that builds on concepts learned throughout the week. High school mentors assist the middle school GeoGirls with projects, blog posts and feeling comfortable at camp.
GeoGirls 2024 is calling 4 high school girls (cis and transgender) graduating from 10th - 12th grade in Washington and Oregon! This program is FREE for all middle school and high school youth thanks to generous donors & supporters.
What is a High School Mentor?
As a High School Mentor, you will...
- Participate in GeoGirls as mentors for a team of middle school GeoGirls throughout the week
- Participate in activities as a student leader, modeling the 3 R's: respect for self, others & place
- Lead morning and evening checklists for your middle school group to help them get prepared for the day’s activities
- Lead a group debrief at the conclusion of research projects on Day 3 and Day 4 to reflect on the research project and what was learned
- Present about the group’s experience participating in research projects to the larger GeoGirls camp in the evening
- Organize middle school group members to present on the group’s experience participating in research projects to the larger GeoGirls camp during dinner or at other times
- Design and organize the final poster Storymap project
- Lead the group in presenting the final Storymap poster project to parents and guardians on the final day of camp
- Assist with other parts of making camp special for all involved!
Read more about being a High School Mentor here!
Applications for GeoGirls 2024 are CLOSED for the 2025 camp. Applications will reopen January 10, 2025 and be accepted through March 1, 2025.
How to Apply:
Tips for Applying:
- Be sure to complete all application materials by the application deadline! This includes double-checking with your teacher to make sure they have completed your recommendation form.
- Let your personality shine! We are looking for a diverse set of girls and selections will be based on each applicant’s interest in science, social and/or financial need, and how participation in this program can benefit her. Girls will be selected to develop a diverse team, reflective of the community.
- Before you begin your application, read over this criteria guide to help you understand how we will make decisions about GeoGirls selections. When you write your essays, be sure to include information about yourself that lets us know how you fit these criteria.
- The application essays are a chance for us to get to know you: what is your interest in the program and how do you think you can benefit from the program. Before you submit your application, read over your essays and ask yourself:
- Does this sound like me?
- Did I let them know why I am excited about GeoGirls?
- Did I let them know how I think GeoGirls could benefit me?
- Application essays must be written by the GeoGirls applicant herself.
Frequently Asked Questions about GeoGirls applications:
- GeoGirls applications undergo a thorough review process by multiple reviewers who are professional female geoscientists and Mount St. Helens Institute staff and volunteers. Applicants are evaluated on the following criteria. Read more in our tips for applicants!
- We do NOT interview applicants. Please provide as much detail as possible in your application so we can get our best sense of how special YOU are!
- Our most challenging aspect about reviewing GeoGirls applications is when applicants list email addresses that are spelled incorrectly especially for teacher recommenders. Please double and triple check the spelling of your email, your parent/guardian email and your teacher email before submitting your application. Thank you!
- We do NOT hold spots in GeoGirls for future years. If you apply and are accepted and cannot attend our camp, we encourage you to apply in future years.
- We are VERY strict with holding the age requirements listed on our website for applicants. If you are not old enough, we encourage you to apply when you reach the correct age! We will not review or accept applicants who are out of the listed age range.
- The application deadline for High School Mentors and Middle School GeoGirls youth is the same deadline. Both applications require recommendations from teachers.
We are so excited about your interest in GeoGirls!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our education team by emailing learn@mshinstitute.org.
