LAKE ARIEL, PA — Lacawac Sanctuary Foundation’s EcoScholars Institute is a four-day summer institute for students entering grades 8 to 10 who are interested in STEM and environmental science. The institute is accepting applications now.

Each of the four days focuses on a different area of ecology: forest ecology, limnology and water ecology, wildlife ecology and a guided canoe-based river investigation.

Students will participate in hands-on data collection, lab analysis and citizen-science projects. Lacawac educators, local scientists and professionals will guide students through activities such as water-quality testing, plankton and macro invertebrate surveys, tree and habitat studies, and conservation problem-solving. Students will also have time for teamwork, nature journaling, and short presentations to share their findings.

Program details

Dates: July 13-16, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Grade levels: Rising 8th-10th graders

Meals: Lunch and snacks are provided each day

Application and registration

Lacawac’s EcoScholars Institute uses an application-based enrollment process. Students interested in participating in the 2026 program must complete an application. Follow the steps below to get started.

Lacawac staff will review each application and notify applicants of their application status. Accepted applicants will receive an email with the next steps, including a link to complete registration and information on scholarship opportunities.

Application and registration closes Monday, June 22. Space is limited. 

The cost is $275 per participant, and scholarships are available. For more information, including cancellation policies, visit 

www.lacawac.org/ecoscholars-institute.html.