Environmental science programs for high school students help you explore how natural systems function and how environmental challenges are studied and addressed. Depending on the program, you may examine topics such as ecology, conservation biology, climate science, water resources, wildlife management, sustainability, and environmental engineering. Many environmental science programs for high school students also introduce research methods, field data collection, environmental monitoring, GIS mapping, statistical analysis, and scientific communication.
If you are looking for environmental science programs for high school students in New Mexico, you’ll find opportunities that range from field-based conservation experiences to environmental competitions, research internships, and university-led summer courses. Some programs focus on local ecosystems and land management, while others explore broader topics such as climate modeling, environmental policy, and sustainability.
Why should you choose a program in New Mexico?
New Mexico offers access to a wide range of ecosystems, including deserts, forests, grasslands, rivers, and mountain environments. This ecological diversity makes the state an especially strong location for environmental science programs for high school students. Many programs use local landscapes as outdoor laboratories where you can study wildlife ecology, watershed management, conservation practices, climate impacts, and natural resource management. The state is also home to research universities, conservation organizations, public lands, and environmental education initiatives that support hands-on learning. Through environmental science programs for high school students in New Mexico, you can gain experience conducting field investigations, analyzing environmental data, and understanding how environmental issues affect communities and ecosystems across the Southwest.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of 8 environmental science programs for high school students in New Mexico that offer hands-on learning and opportunities to build technical and analytical skills. For broader opportunities, you can also explore our guide on environmental science summer programs for high school students here.
Key Takeaways
- New Mexico’s environmental science programs take advantage of the state’s ecological diversity, including deserts, forests, and mountain environments, with options like AWES using the Gila Wilderness as a direct outdoor laboratory
- Several programs are free or paid, including AWES (free), NM Envirothon (free), the Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program ($3,000 stipend), and Southwest Conservation Corps ($14.42/hour), making field-based environmental work accessible regardless of cost
- Virtual options through Stanford’s Pre-Collegiate Summer Institute and Brown’s Pre-College Online program expand access to climate science, environmental engineering, and marine ecology coursework for students who prefer remote learning or want to supplement local fieldwork
- Programs range from hands-on, paid fieldwork like fisheries assessment and conservation crews to more academic, simulation-based coursework involving Python climate modeling and chemical engineering principles
- If you want to pursue an independent research project in environmental or climate science beyond a structured program, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs offers a mentored path toward a formal research paper
9 Environmental Science Programs for High School Students in New Mexico
1. Horizon Academic Research Program (HARP)
Location: Virtual
Cost: Varies depending on program type. Financial aid available.
Dates: The spring and fall cohorts run 15 weeks, while the summer cohort runs 10 weeks (June-September).
Application Deadline: Multiple deadlines throughout the year for the Spring, Summer, and Fall cohorts.
Eligibility: High school students with good academic standing (>3.67/4.0 GPA) can apply. Most accepted students are 10th- or 11th-graders! A few tracks require prerequisites; see here.
Horizon offers trimester-long research programs for high school students in subjects such as sustainability, environmental science, and more! Horizon is one of the few research programs for high school students that offers you the choice to engage in either quantitative or qualitative research. Once you select a particular subject track, Horizon pairs you with a professor/PhD scholar who acts as a mentor throughout your research journey. As a participant, you will be expected to develop a 20-page research paper that you can send to prestigious journals for publication as a high school student. The program also provides a letter of recommendation for each student and detailed project feedback that you can use to work on future projects. Apply here!
2. Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
Location: Students are placed within a 45-minute commute from their houses
Stipend: $3,000
Dates: 8 weeks between June and August | Exact dates are flexible and determined between the mentor and student
Application Deadline: January 25
Eligibility: Rising high school seniors or college freshmen who are at least 16 years old by the internship start date in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, Mexico, and the Pacific Islands
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program is an eight-week paid summer internship for high school students organized by the American Fisheries Society. Participants are paired with mentors across the United States, providing location-specific experiences in fisheries and aquatic science. Depending on the placement, you may work in field environments, laboratories, office settings, or aboard boats while supporting fisheries-related projects. Internship activities can include conducting fish population assessments, testing water quality, assisting with electrofishing operations, and examining biological samples. Students may also help process research data and contribute to educational outreach initiatives designed for younger audiences.
3. Adventure in the Wilderness Exploring Sciences (AWES)
Location: Gila Wilderness, NM
Cost: Free
Dates: One week between May and June
Application Deadline: April 15
Eligibility: 9th–12th grade students from the Las Cruces, NM and El Paso, TX areas
Adventure in the Wilderness Exploring Sciences (AWES) combines backpacking in New Mexico’s Gila Wilderness with scientific lessons, environmental investigations, and hands-on experiments. During the program, you spend much of each day hiking while participating in field-based science activities and small-group projects. Scientific learning is paired with discussions on environmentalism, sustainability, social justice, and leadership. You also maintain journals, engage in reflection activities, and explore creative outlets such as art. The experience includes opportunities to design and carry out a study, learn outdoor skills, and participate in teamwork-focused activities.
4. NM Envirothon
Location: Las Vegas, NM
Cost: Free
Dates: The competition takes place in April
Application Deadline: Varies by team registration and school participation timeline.
Eligibility: High school students of ages 14-19
The New Mexico Envirothon is a team-based environmental competition that brings together high school students to explore natural resource management and conservation topics. Teams of five prepare for a two-day event that combines indoor and outdoor activities, including field stations and environmental problem-solving challenges. Participants apply STEM concepts while studying aquatic ecology, forestry, soils and land use, wildlife, and current environmental issues. Students work collaboratively to develop solutions to real-world environmental scenarios presented by professionals in the field. The first-place team advances to represent New Mexico at the National Envirothon Competition.
5. Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) High School Conservation Crews
Location: Your local county in the Four Corners Region or Los Valles Region
Stipend: $14.42 per hour (32-40 hours per week)
Dates: Session 1: Late May to June | Session 2: Mid-July to mid-August|
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Eligibility: High school students ages 14-18 in the Four Corners Region or Los Valles Region
SCC High School Conservation Crews provide paid summer service opportunities for high school students interested in conservation and outdoor project work. Through the program, you participate in hands-on projects that support environmental and community conservation efforts. The experience focuses on building practical job skills alongside leadership and teamwork development. Participants work on challenging projects designed to introduce them to conservation-related careers and responsibilities. The program also emphasizes personal and professional growth through structured service experiences and collaborative fieldwork.
6. Chemical and Environmental Engineering – Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institute
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,200 | Financial aid available
Dates: July 6–17
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Grades 10-11 at the time of application | Prerequisites include completion of an algebra course and being comfortable with the concepts of atoms, atomic mass, and molecular mass
The Chemical and Environmental Engineering course at the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institute examines the scientific and engineering principles behind major industrial processes. You explore how materials and energy are used in industries such as cement production, steel manufacturing, transportation fuels, and ammonia production. The course also investigates the environmental impacts associated with these processes, including greenhouse gas emissions. Through simulations, interactive activities, and group projects, you analyze potential decarbonization strategies using concepts such as chemical equilibrium, material properties, and energy use. The program emphasizes systems-level thinking and sustainable technology design.
7. Climate Change: Projections and Uncertainty – Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institute
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,200 | Financial aid available
Dates: July 6–17
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Grades 9-11 at the time of application | Prerequisites include completion of an algebra course and beginning proficiency with programming language Python
This Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institute course introduces students to climate science, climate modeling, and the uncertainties involved in climate projections. You begin by studying historical and modern climate change before examining the physical processes behind the greenhouse effect. Using Python, students create models that simulate Earth’s energy balance and explore how emissions affect temperature. The course also covers the climate models included in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP), which contribute to global climate assessments. Collaborative projects involve analyzing climate datasets and presenting findings based on observed and projected environmental changes.
8. Environmental Solutions – Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institute
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,200 | Financial aid available
Dates: June 15–26
Application Deadline: March 13
Eligibility: Grades 8-11 at the time of application
Environmental Solutions at the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Summer Institute examines a range of approaches to addressing environmental challenges at global, systemic, local, and individual levels. You explore issues such as climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, urban sprawl, and desertification while studying potential responses to these concerns. The course investigates topics including greenhouse gas reduction, carbon sequestration, sustainable agriculture, green architecture, bioremediation, and landscape restoration. Students evaluate solutions through the framework of environmental justice and community impact. Learning activities include research projects, map-making exercises, and investigations focused on local environmental conditions.
9. Marine Ecology: Studying and Safeguarding Our Most Vulnerable Ecosystems – Brown Pre-College Online
Location: Virtual
Cost: $3,364
Dates: July 13–24
Application Deadline: May 15
Eligibility: Students completing grades 9 to 12, ages 14 to 18
Marine Ecology: Studying and Safeguarding Our Most Vulnerable Ecosystems is an online course that explores the marine environments of the Florida Keys through ecological study and leadership development. You examine habitats such as seagrasses, mangroves, and coral reefs while learning how these ecosystems are interconnected. Lessons led by marine biologists incorporate field footage, underwater observations, laboratory demonstrations, and examples from active research environments. The course also investigates human impacts on marine ecosystems, including conservation efforts and environmental challenges. Students complete a final project focused on applying leadership skills to address issues within their own communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What environmental science programs are available for high school students in New Mexico?
New Mexico offers in-person programs including AWES in the Gila Wilderness, the NM Envirothon competition, and Southwest Conservation Corps’ paid conservation crews. The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program places students within a 45-minute commute of home anywhere in the country, including New Mexico. Virtual options through Stanford’s Pre-Collegiate Summer Institute and Brown’s Pre-College Online program are also accessible to New Mexico students.
Do I need prior science experience to apply to these programs?
It depends on the program. AWES and NM Envirothon are accessible to students without specialized prior environmental science background. More technical virtual courses like Stanford’s Climate Change: Projections and Uncertainty require completion of algebra and beginning Python proficiency, while the Chemical and Environmental Engineering course requires comfort with atomic and molecular mass concepts.
Are there paid environmental science programs for high school students in New Mexico?
Yes. The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program provides a $3,000 stipend over eight weeks. Southwest Conservation Corps High School Conservation Crews pay $14.42 per hour for 32 to 40 hours per week across two summer sessions. These paid options combine real fieldwork experience with financial compensation, making them strong choices for students seeking both skill-building and income.
Which programs involve direct fieldwork in New Mexico’s ecosystems?
AWES combines backpacking in the Gila Wilderness with hands-on environmental investigations and student-designed studies. NM Envirothon involves field stations covering aquatic ecology, forestry, soils, and wildlife. Southwest Conservation Corps places students in conservation projects within the Four Corners or Los Valles regions, focusing on practical fieldwork and job skills relevant to conservation careers.
Are there virtual environmental science programs accessible to New Mexico students?
Yes. Stanford’s Pre-Collegiate Summer Institute offers three relevant virtual courses: Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Climate Change: Projections and Uncertainty, and Environmental Solutions, all examining different facets of climate and sustainability. Brown’s Pre-College Online program offers Marine Ecology, focusing on Florida Keys ecosystems through virtual instruction led by marine biologists.
Which programs focus specifically on climate science and modeling?
Stanford’s Climate Change: Projections and Uncertainty course has students build Python-based models simulating Earth’s energy balance and analyze datasets from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project. Stanford’s Environmental Solutions course also touches on climate change responses like greenhouse gas reduction and carbon sequestration, though with a broader focus across multiple environmental challenges.
Is there a way to pursue independent environmental research beyond these structured programs?
Yes. If you want to develop your own research question in environmental science, sustainability, or climate science with mentorship, Horizon’s Research Seminars and Labs pairs you with a professor or PhD scholar to produce a 20-page research paper. This is a strong option for students who have completed an introductory program like AWES or one of the Stanford courses and want to pursue a more independent, in-depth research project afterward.
When should I apply to environmental science programs for high school students in New Mexico?
The Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program closes January 25, the earliest deadline on this list. AWES closes April 15. Stanford’s Pre-Collegiate Summer Institute courses all close March 13, and Brown’s Marine Ecology course closes May 15. Southwest Conservation Corps uses rolling admissions until positions are filled, so applying early is recommended even without a fixed deadline. NM Envirothon registration timelines vary by school, so checking with your school’s team coordinator early in the school year is advisable.
Image source: Brown University