Armstrong Scholars brings selected participants together for an educational adventure in the spectacular Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. This extraordinary program is designed for and seeks to inspire all young women, ages 15-18 to reach their highest potential and develop a stronger sense of self, community, and connection to the natural world. There are many ways to identify as a woman and all of those ways are welcome on this program. Individuals from different cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, LGBTQIA+, and socioeconomic communities come together to embark on a 12-day wilderness backpacking expedition that demands participants to challenge themselves both physically and emotionally.  This program is inspired by and in memory of former NatureBridge Environmental Science Educator Joie Armstrong. Joie had a tremendous enthusiasm for life and a passion for teaching along with a desire to give of herself for the betterment of the world. NatureBridge established the Joie Armstrong Memorial Fund in 1999 to honor her. The memorial fund sponsors the Armstrong Scholars program, providing a $2,400 scholarship to each student. Students pay $150 to participate in the program. Additional scholarships are available to offset this cost. Basic backpacking gear is available for loan during the program. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from our Yosemite Campus of NatureBridge in Yosemite National Park, where the program begins and ends. We invite you to share this opportunity with the young people you know would grow and thrive in this unique and meaningful experience. Please see the application process and additional information on the Armstrong Scholars page of the NatureBridge website.  Application details are linked here as well. The deadline for applications this year is Monday, April 13, 2026.