Protecting
vulnerable ecosystems
in Yellowstone
Yellowstone
Season Highlights
Yellowstone National Park sits in one of the last nearly intact temperate ecosystems on the planet. And it’s home to some of the continent’s most charismatic wildlife, like bison and grizzly bear, species once on the very brink of extinction.
The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is intact because of the determination of citizens and scientists who have supported, preserved, reintroduced, and managed these critical species and habitats-otherwise it would be lost.
EPI’s programming develops this conservation mindset by engaging local students in scientific research and providing deep experiences with the natural world. These students arrive in the field as inquisitive youth and emerge as empowered, inspired conservation leaders.
Beyond
the Fieldwork
Life-changing experiences in the field are continued through in-depth alumni programs, like the Bitterroot Wildlife Internship, which provide students with a more extended and self-driven experiences in ecological studies and conservation service.
EPI's alumni opportunities build on our core educational programs, deepening the impact on our students. Through independent research projects and mentorship with scientists, these programs change lives.
Meet some of our alumni and the wildlife they're working to protect.
A Summer Internship for our Alumni!
BWI
Season Highlights
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How do I know if EPI is right for me?EPI programs place a strong emphasis on science, adventure, and the great outdoors. These are academic programs. If you like to learn, if you're curious and open-minded, if you're willing to try something new, then these programs will be a good fit. Look through the Why EPI pages and the Travel Programs pages for more detailed information. If you're having a hard time deciding, or want to hear more about a specific course, don't hesitate to get in touch. We're happy to help.
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What does a typical day look like?There's a lot of variety to the days on an EPI program. That being said, most days will include some amount of data collection or conservation service. There will definitely be some 'classroom time', but our classrooms are usually outside, and there will also be some time for hiking or snorkeling or exploring. The days are full, but fun!
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Can I get credit for my program?It depends on where you are traveling! All of our Yellowstone participants (PD or students) can receive credit for their course through the University of Montana. Professional development participants traveling on our other courses can receive credit through Hamline University. We are working to expand our partnerships to be able to offer all students who wish to receive credit the opportunity to do so.
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How old are most students?EPI runs Travel Programs for middle school, high school, and college-aged students and Professional Development programs for all teachers and non-traditional educators.
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EPI is a non-profit. Is my tuition tax-deductible?No. Because you'll receive a service (a travel program) your tuition is not tax-deductible. If you decide to support a local student, however, you'll receive a letter of proof for your donation.
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Does EPI offer financial aid?Yes! EPI offers need-based student financial aid and PD scholarships. Awards typically range from $300-600, so it won't cover the full cost of the program, but it can help offset it. The student financial aid application can be found here and the teacher professional development scholarship application can be found here. If you're a school chaperone or travel organizer, you should also know about our School Grant Program which can provide up to $8000 toward group travel during our low seasons. Need additional fundraising ideas? Check out our handy EPI Scholarship & Fundraising Guide for students or our Fundraising Resources for Educators guide.
The Bitterroot Wildlife Internship (BWI) is an intensive, 4-week long internship focused on ecological education, conservation service, and hands-on research at the MPG Ranch in Lolo, Montana.
The internship provides high school students the opportunity for one-on-one interaction with scientists that are conducting on-going studies. The experience culminates in a symposium-style poster session, open to the public, where interns share the findings of their own independent projects.
RESEARCH PARTNERS
B Bar Ranch
Custer-Gallatin National Forest (Gardiner Ranger District)
National Parks Conservation Association
Yellowstone Bear Management Team
Yellowstone Bison Management Team
Yellowstone Wolf Project
FUNDERS
Alps Corporation
Anonymous Donor (2)
Cinnabar Foundation
Cross Charitable Foundation
First Interstate BancSystem Foundation
First Interstate Bank of Billings
High Stakes Foundation
The Lightfoot Foundation
Llewellyn Foundation
Park County Community Foundation
Patagonia
Rick McIntyre
Sandy & Kevin Phillips
State of Montana GEAR UP Program
The William H. and Margaret M. Wallace Foundation
The William H. & Mattie Wattis Harris Foundation