A group of Rancho Buena Vista High School juniors will spend part of their summer break conducting field research in Central America.

Hands-On Science Abroad

Ten students earned spots on an international sustainability expedition to Costa Rica. The program combines classroom learning with real-world data collection on marine ecosystems and wildlife conservation.

Participants were selected through a competitive process requiring written applications and interviews. To qualify, students needed strong academic records, including advanced coursework and grade point averages above 3.0.

Local Preparation

Before departing, the group completed forty hours of community research at Preserve Calavera, a nature area in Carlsbad. There they gathered baseline data on local species and habitats, learning research protocols they will apply overseas.

This preliminary work ensures students arrive in Costa Rica ready to contribute meaningfully to ongoing conservation studies rather than starting from scratch.

Program Support

A regional foundation dedicated to environmental education funded the opportunity. The grant covers travel, lodging, and research materials, removing financial barriers that might otherwise prevent participation.

The experience aims to inspire future scientists while building cross-cultural understanding of environmental challenges facing communities worldwide.