You've seen the news and maybe studied it in class: the planet's in trouble. Entire species and ecosystems could vanish forever if people of all ages don't take action now.

Earthwatch knows that teens like you will be leaders of change. We want to put you in the field where you can make a difference - for the health of the planet, and for yourself.

Earthwatch's scientists and local partners need you with them in the field to figure out the best ways to protect endangered natural and cultural resources.

	You can get your hands dirty - sometimes really dirty - on projects like Climate Change at the Arctic's Edge, where you'll collect field samples that will shed light on the global warming threat.
	You can get up close and personal with the most amazing animals, like the Dolphins and Whales of Abaco Island in the Bahamas or the Carnivores of Madagascar, and learn how to help protect them and their habitats.
	You can experience the world's wildest places, like the Pantanal in Brazil, the world's largest freshwater wetland, or Puerto Rico's Rainforest, and become a defender of the species that live there and a friend to the people you'll meet.
	You can work side-by-side with other teens, field scientists, and local residents interested in the same things you are, whether that's patrolling the beaches to protect Trinidad's Leatherback Sea Turtles or researching New York City Wildlife.

The other volunteers you'll meet on Earthwatch expeditions will be like you -high school juniors or seniors who don't want to just look at the world's best places, but want to do something for them - and they'll come from all over the US and the world.

You'll meet people unlike those you've ever met, and learn to work with them in places you've only imagined going. Until now.

Look, we know you've got lots of options for your time away from school, and there are many great things you could do with your time and money. But, in a recent study of 155 available opportunities, National Geographic Adventure ranked Earthwatch's expeditions number one in both volunteer programming and educational value.

Number one. We're pretty sure that's because we know that you actually want to do more than take pictures and buy souvenirs. And that you deserve something more than a cookie-cutter experience.

Earthwatch Teen Teams offer:

• Unique experiences for community service or community based learning requirements
• Awesome material for college application essays
• Chances to develop basic science and adventure skills and try out things you might pursue in college
• Cool group activities for the time away from the field site
• Trained Earthwatch science staff and supervisors to provide the safest, most rewarding time

Are you ready to meet your world? Are you ready to get off the bus, learn things for yourself, and make a difference?

Set up an Expedition Fund - parents and teachers of teens planning to go on an expedition can set up tax-deductible Expedition Funds to help teens raise money in their schools and communities.

Competitive fellowships are available for some Teen Team expeditions.