Ohio River Conservation Course Application 2025

The Ohio River Conservation Course (ORCC) is a one-of-a-kind and immersive science experience for high schoolers! After diving into local ecology, scientific research, environmental engineering, water quality, and habitat monitoring, high school students (9th-12th Grade) will walk away with a new found understanding of their local watershed and the work that goes into protecting it. This week-long course is a career-focused, hands-on exploration of biological fieldwork, habitat restoration and water management. During the fun and adventurous week, exploring the Ohio River and its tributaries will expose students to a variety of skills and careers; offering them the opportunity to network with a diverse range of local professionals along the way. We will wade in the water collecting live specimens, test water chemistry, go electrofishing, cruise the Ohio River on a riverboat, get our hands dirty removing invasive plants, kayak and so much more! This course is jointly presented by the Foundation for Ohio River Education, the Ohio River Foundation, Sanitation District No. 1, and the Thomas More University Biology Field Station.

The ORCC will take place from 9 am - 3 pm Monday through Friday, June 23-27 and/or July 21-25, 2025; participants only will attend one session each. Participants will be dropped off and picked up from the Sanitation District No. 1 parking lot in Fort Wright, Kentucky. Participants will bring a packed lunch each day. Interested students should submit this form no later than April 30, 2025. There is a course fee of $175 for all participants, although there may be financial assistance available for those who indicate need. Please note that the ORCC requires a minimum of 10 students per session to run the program.

Student Name*

First NameLast Name

We will be offering 1 to 2 sessions of the ORCC this summer. Please indicate the date/s that work for you. If only one session is offered, the dates will be selected based on accommodating the most students.*

June 23-27July 21-25Either session works for me

What grade will you be entering in fall of 2025?*

Name of School*

Student Birth Date*

Date

Student Phone Number*

Please enter a valid phone number.

Student Email*

example@example.com

Parent/Guardian Name*

First NameLast Name

Parent/Guardian Phone Number*

Please enter a valid phone number.

Parent/Guardian Email*

example@example.com

Home Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Are you able and willing to be outdoors in various weather conditions, engaging in various levels of physical activity (such as hiking, paddling, and habitat restoration) for the duration of the program?*

YesNo

Student T-Shirt Size (adult sizing)*

Explain your motivation for attending the ORCC and what makes you a good candidate for the course.*

Tell us about any interests or experience you have in environmental and/or ecological topics.*

Additional comments or questions?

Are you interested in being considered for financial aid?*

YesNo

Are you interested in a 50% or a 100% scholarship?*

50%100%

Which county do you live in?*

Are you on free or reduced lunch?*

YesNo

Number of adults in your home*

Number of children in your home (including you)*

Who will be paying for your course fee?*

Your parents or guardiansYourself

What is your household's yearly gross income?*

Approximate income, or the exact value can be found on your 2024 federal tax form 1040 (line 37), 1090 (line 4) or the Ohio tax form 1040 (line 1)

Please briefly describe your financial need.*

Please note:

Before attending the Ohio River Conservation Course, all participants will be required to sign a risk waiver, our community standards policy,* as well as disclose any medications, allergies, or health issues that may be relevant for course staff to know.
*ORCC staff reserve the right to ask a participant to leave if the community standards policy is violated.
Participant fees will be collected through an online credit card portal after campers have been notified of their acceptance.