Youth Mentoring Program
ASI’s youth mentoring program is a unique volunteer opportunity serving kids ages 10-14 who are interested in birds, science, conservation, and the outdoors. Students work alongside Alaska Songbird Institute staff on the Swallow Ecology Project. This is a unique program where kids actively contribute to a real research project. We work in small groups, collecting and recording data, and working closely with wild birds and chicks. The program works best with kids who are interested in science, enjoy spending time outdoors, and are able to maintain a calm and respectful demeanor around wild birds.
Schedule
Our schedule is flexible and variable. It is partially determined by how the nesting season progresses. We maintain an online Google Calendar of available times and we invite participants to sign up for the slots that work best for them. We understand that summer is a very busy time, and it is okay to miss time for trips and other obligations. Our busiest (and most exciting!) time is usually mid-June (approximately June 12-26) This is when we capture and band adult birds and the growing nestlings. Kids can volunteer as much as they want, but we ask for a minimum average commitment of about 4 hours per week.
The program fee is $275/participant ($250 for ASI members) This fee helps to cover insurance, permitting, supplies, personnel, and other costs associated with running the project. This is a small program and spots fill quickly, so be sure to sign up as quickly as possible.
Please check back later for 2025 season dates, more information, and registration details!