Apprentice Ecologist Initiative™:
Disadvantaged & At-Risk Youth

We strongly encourage participation by disadvantaged or at-risk kids and teens. This opportunity has enriched the lives of hundreds of young people by empowering them to help the environment, their communities, and themselves. You or someone you love could be next!

Who is a disadvantaged or at-risk youth? We define this as anyone meeting one or more of the following criteria.

1. Low income (Eligible for reduced or free lunch at school).
2. Minorities (African American, Native American, Southeast Asian, or Hispanic).
3. Delinquency (Likely to drop out or have dropped out of school, problems with the law, or repeated problems at home or in school).
4. Physical or mental impairment.
5. Abused (physically or mentally).
6. Homeless (living in shelter, RV, hotel, temporary housing, or on the street).
7. Living in a developing country (listed on UN Human Development Index as all colors but greens [i.e., HDI value of <0.800]).