National Geographic Student Expeditions Announces Photo Contest And New Trips for 0

WASHINGTON (Dec. 4, 2012)-National Geographic Student Expeditions (NGSE) announces its second annual National Geographic Student Photo Contest. The contest invites high school students to submit a photo that conveys what exploration, discovery or adventure means to them with a 100-word written description of the moment captured and why it was significant. The grand prize is a summer 2013 London Photography Workshop, including round-trip airfare and program tuition, valued at approximately $7,250. The second- and third-place winners will receive gift certificates to the National Geographic Store for $250 and $100, respectively.

The contest is open to U.S. residents currently in grades 9 through 12. Submissions will be accepted from now until Jan. 15, 2013, and a winner will be selected and notified by email by Feb. 8, 2013.

NGSE offers in-depth travel experiences for high school students, combining education and adventure in some of the world's most fascinating places. Students have the choice of four types of programs: expeditions, field workshops, community service trips and photography workshops, ranging from 11 days to three weeks. On expeditions and field workshops, students discover new landscapes and cultures through On Assignment projects that allow them to focus on specific interests such as photography, conservation, filmmaking and archaeology. With the guidance of dynamic trip leaders and a National Geographic expert, students break into teams to pursue their projects, which can range from a short story to a photography portfolio to a documentary film or a wildlife study.

In addition to the London Photo Workshop, NGSE is introducing two new student photo workshops in Paris and San Francisco in 2013, each led by a top National Geographic photographer.

Also in 2013, to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the National Geographic Society, NGSE has crafted three special expeditions that offer students the opportunity to take part in ongoing research and conservation efforts, working alongside local scientists and National Geographic grantees. The special anniversary trips are:

Brazil's Amazon and Pantanal (19 days): Students will delve into the biodiversity hotspots of the Amazon rain forest, the Pantanal floodplains and the Atlantic Forest, exploring by horseback, boat and foot. They will then join scientists to track and monitor the endangered golden lion tamarin in the jungles north of Rio de Janeiro.

Belize (12 days): Students will snorkel or scuba dive the world's second-largest barrier reef, explore the world-famous Great Blue Hole and work alongside biologists to survey marine species, while learning the art of underwater photography.

Namibia (21 days): Student will focus on wildlife conservation, working with grantees who are involved in National Geographic's Big Cats Initiative. They will help track and monitor cheetahs and leopards and take part in rhino protection efforts. The trip also includes getting to know Bushmen and their traditions, and sandboarding on Namib Desert dunes.

Two other new programs for 2013 are a 14-day community service trip to Ecuador and the Amazon, in which students will stay in a village in the High Andes and work with the local people on a variety of community projects; and a 17-day expedition to Italy's great cities, ancient ruins and the Alps.

NGSE will continue to offer its popular programs to Peru, Alaska, Australia, Ecuador and the Galapagos, Tanzania and other destinations in 2013.

The expeditions we've designed to commemorate our 125th anniversary are a fantastic way to get high school students involved firsthand in important conservation initiatives, said Director of Student Travel Deb Harris. And we're thrilled to launch our second annual photo contest, which is a great way to further engage students who are passionate about photography and exploration.

NGSE offers a scholarship program for high school students seeking educational summer experiences who could not otherwise afford them. The program creates opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds and enhances the group dynamic and learning opportunities for all students.

For more information on NGSE or its scholarship program, visit www.ngstudentexpeditions.com.

National Geographic Student Expeditions is a part of National Geographic Expeditions, the travel program of the National Geographic Society. Offering trips to more than 60 destinations across seven continents, National Geographic Expeditions features land programs, family programs, small-ship expeditions, land journeys, active adventures, family trips, photography workshops and expeditions, and more. The trips are often accompanied by National Geographic experts whose insider perspectives enrich each travel experience. All proceeds support the Society's aim of increasing global understanding through exploration, geography, education and research. For more information on National Geographic's travel programs, visit www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com.

LINK:	http://press.nationalgeographic.com/2012/12/04/ng-student-expeditions-...
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