Young Alaskans, Ready for an Adventure That Could Change Your Life?

Students on Ice participants explore Greenland’s spectacular icy coastline aboard a Zodiac, turning the Arctic landscape into an unforgettable outdoor classroom. Photo courtesy of the Students on Ice Foundation.

The world is your classroom. Are you ready to step inside?

Imagine learning alongside young people from around the world, exploring different cultures, making lasting friendships, and discovering new possibilities for your future. Now imagine bringing those experiences and fresh perspectives back to Alaska.

That’s the opportunity offered by the Students on Ice (SOI) Foundation, which is accepting applications for its 2027 expedition season.

The program brings together young people ages 14 to 35 and educators for hands-on learning experiences focused on the environment, culture, leadership, and the future of our planet.

For participants, the benefits can extend well beyond the expedition. They’ll have opportunities to build confidence, develop leadership skills, learn from people with different experiences, and make connections that could influence their education, careers, and future goals.

And Alaska has plenty of reasons to want those young voices heard.

Bringing the World Back to Alaska

Young explorers, big ideas, and a world of possibilities. Students on Ice brings together youth from diverse backgrounds for a journey of discovery, learning, and leadership. Photo courtesy of the Students on Ice Foundation.

Alaska’s future is closely tied to the health of its land, oceans, wildlife, and communities. From changing conditions in the Arctic to the future of our fisheries and the challenges facing rural communities, the decisions made today will affect generations of Alaskans.

Young people will have a role in those decisions.

An SOI expedition gives participants an opportunity to explore these issues alongside people from different backgrounds and cultures. They’ll encounter new ideas, learn about different approaches to environmental stewardship, and gain a broader understanding of challenges that reach far beyond Alaska’s borders.

Just as important, they’ll have an opportunity to share what they’ve learned when they return.

Imagine a young Alaskan bringing new ideas about conservation back to their school, sharing different perspectives on environmental challenges with their community, or becoming inspired to pursue a career in science, education, public service, or environmental leadership.

Those are the kinds of experiences that can help strengthen Alaska’s next generation of problem-solvers and community leaders.

More Than an Expedition

Students on Ice isn’t simply about seeing new places. It’s about meeting people whose lives and experiences may be very different from your own.

Participants learn from one another while exploring environmental and cultural issues. They also have opportunities to connect with Indigenous knowledge holders, educators, and emerging leaders.

Eyes on the horizon! Students on Ice participants take in the remarkable surroundings, using binoculars and cameras to observe the icy waters and wildlife along the way. Photo courtesy of the Students on Ice Foundation.

The foundation welcomes young people at different stages of life. Some already have a clear direction and want to expand their knowledge. Others are still figuring out what interests them or where their talents might lead.

Both have a place.

SOI works to build diverse expedition teams across gender, race, ethnicity, and geography, with particular emphasis on Indigenous, Black, and other underrepresented youth.

Different backgrounds and perspectives aren’t just welcomed. They’re an important part of the learning experience.

What Does It Take to Participate?

This is a learning journey, not a vacation. Participants are expected to invest time and energy before, during, and after the expedition.

Learning comes alive when curiosity meets hands-on experience. SOI expeditions encourage young participants to ask questions, explore new ideas, and discover where their interests might lead. Photo courtesy of the Students on Ice Foundation.

Preparation begins before departure with educational materials. The experience continues after participants return home, when they’re encouraged to share what they’ve learned with their communities.

Applicants should demonstrate:

A genuine interest in the educational purpose of the expedition.
A willingness to participate fully.
A commitment to representing their communities.
An interest in learning from both Indigenous and Western ways of knowing.

SOI also looks for curiosity, empathy, passion, motivation, and leadership potential. Applicants don’t need an impressive list of accomplishments. A genuine desire to learn and put that knowledge to good use matters.

Who Can Apply?

Young people between 14 and 35 years old are eligible.

Whether you’re a student exploring future career possibilities, a young adult interested in environmental issues, or someone looking for inspiration and direction, this could be an opportunity worth exploring.

Parents, grandparents, teachers, and mentors: If there’s a young person in your life who loves learning, asks big questions, or is ready for a new challenge, share this opportunity with them.

Applications Are Open for 2027!

The application period for the 2027 Students on Ice expedition season is now underway.

Application deadline: December 10, 2026

Ready to explore the possibilities?

APPLY FOR THE 2027 EXPEDITION SEASON

For eligibility requirements and additional information, visit the Students on Ice Foundation’s official youth application page.

Alaska doesn’t just need young people who know their home state. It needs young people who understand the wider world, can bring fresh ideas to the table, and are ready to help shape Alaska’s future. This could be one opportunity to help make that happen.

Breaking News