Earthwatch Education Programs – nurturing the next generation of climate champions
04 August 2026
Education has always been a core Earthwatch priority so it was immensely gratifying that our education programs in 2025 proved as popular as ever.
Our signature student event – the Student Challenge program – attracted 130 applicants, with 38 exceptional senior high-school students awarded a prized Earthwatch Student Challenge Fellowships. The Student Challenge continues to enjoy the generous and long-term support of The George Alexander Foundation and other sponsors.
Since its inception in 2007, over 470 students have been placed in the Student Challenge, experiencing life changing and career-defining scientific expeditions. In 2025, supported by an investment of $235,000, our emerging leaders participated in expeditions at Calperum Station in the Mallee and the Mackay Coastal Wetlands, immersing themselves in real‑world science, building their skills, their confidence and nurturing their passion to pursue future careers as environment leaders.
130
Applications for the Student Challenge Program
470+
Students placed in the Student Challenge since its inception in 2007
38
Earthwatch Student Challenge Fellowships awarded in 2025
$235,000
Invested in student expeditions in 2025
Adding to the Earthwatch suite of education programs, in 2025 we delivered a new pilot program, the Mizuiku Nature and Water School. Proudly sponsored by Suntory Oceania with a $100,000 grant, the program teaches children the importance of nature and water, deepening their understanding of the natural water cycle and the how it relates to their daily lives.
The students learned how to use and conserve water responsibly, the relationship between water and biodiversity, teaching and learning from each other and finally, taking actions in their communities as emerging climate champions.
An outstanding aspect of the Mizuiku Nature and Water School program is the connections it allows participating schools to make with Traditional Owners and water-industry experts. The program involved 3957 students and 20 water-education workshops. A highlight of the workshops was the participation of 11 Elders who partnered with Earthwatch Australia to teach the students about the eternal connection First Nation peoples have to Country.
Earthwatch Australia is tremendously proud and appreciative to offer the Mizuiku Nature and Water School program in 2026.