YOSEMITE, CA – Young women ages 15 to 18 are invited to apply for the 2026 Armstrong Scholars Program, a two-week immersive wilderness and leadership experience in Yosemite National Park designed to foster confidence, resilience, and a lasting connection to the natural world.

The Armstrong Scholars Program will take place July 12 through July 25, 2026, and will bring together 13 selected participants for an educational backpacking expedition in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. Hosted by NatureBridge, the program combines physical challenge, environmental education, and personal reflection in a young-women-centered environment.

“Join a diverse group of young women in Yosemite National Park for a once-in-a-lifetime wilderness adventure,” the program flyer states. As an Armstrong Scholar, participants will backpack through the High Sierra for nearly two weeks alongside other students and two skilled NatureBridge educators. “You will be challenged. You will grow as a leader. You will grow as a person.”

During the 14-day program, participants will spend one day at NatureBridge’s Yosemite campus, the National Environmental Science Center (NESC), followed by 12 days backpacking through remote wilderness areas. A final evening back at the campus is planned at the conclusion of the trip, conditions permitting. Throughout the experience, educators guide participants through daily activities, discussions, and reflections designed to support growth both on and off the trail.

Armstrong Scholars is open to all young women, including those from a wide range of cultural, ethnic, racial, religious, LGBTQIA+, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Program materials emphasize that “there are many ways to identify as a woman and all of those ways are welcome on this program.” Participants from different life experiences are intentionally brought together to form a supportive learning community.

The physical demands of the program are significant. According to the application materials, participants will hike between 5 and 10 miles per day while carrying backpacks that may weigh up to 50 pounds. Routes may include rugged trails, boulder fields, snow slopes, and high mountain passes reaching elevations of approximately 11,000 feet. These challenges are designed to push participants beyond their comfort zones while fostering teamwork, perseverance, and self-trust.

While trekking through the wilderness, participants explore topics such as “identity and strength of women, communication and leadership, wilderness skills and natural history, social, racial and environmental justice.” Daily schedules typically include hiking discussions tied to a central theme, journaling, group conversations, shared meals, and evening reflections under the stars.

Past participants describe the experience as deeply transformative. One former scholar wrote, “I will carry these lessons with me my whole life. I have been shown the world in such a beautiful and powerful way by these people and this place.” Another past participant emphasized the confidence gained through the program, sharing, “You are so much more capable than you believe yourself to be and that becomes evident on this Yosemite trip.”

The Armstrong Scholars Program was created in memory of NatureBridge environmental science educator Joie Ruth Armstrong, whose passion for teaching and commitment to making the outdoors accessible left a lasting legacy. NatureBridge established the Joie Armstrong Memorial Fund in 1999 to honor her, and the fund continues to sponsor the program today.

Each selected participant receives a $2,400 scholarship that covers the majority of the program’s cost. Students are asked to pay a $150 participation fee, with additional scholarships available to reduce this cost when needed. Basic backpacking gear is available for loan during the program, helping remove barriers to participation. While students are responsible for transportation to and from Yosemite, a free shuttle is provided to and from Fresno International Airport for those arriving by air.

The application process places greater emphasis on personal motivation and readiness than on academic achievement. Organizers note that “demonstrated academic success is less important than a clear sense of how the program will truly benefit the individual.” Applicants are asked to submit a brief biography, parent or guardian contact information, completed health and registration forms, two recommendations from community leaders, and written responses addressing their interest in the program and the strengths they would bring to the group.

Applications must be received by 12 p.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026.
Selected participants will be notified by June 1, 2026.

More information about the Armstrong Scholars Program, including application materials and submission instructions, is available at naturebridge.org/armstrong. Questions may be directed to armstrongscholars@naturebridge.org.

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