Trook Apprenticeship in Education & Environmental Careers

Are you interested in making lasting change as an Environmental leader in the field of sustainability or education? Drawing on the incredibly strong network of Roaring Fork Valley businesses, organizations, and individuals focused on sustainability and the environment, the Trook Apprenticeship exposes high school students to the wide range of career opportunities as they develop into the environmental leaders of tomorrow. This program involves 5 days focused on learning about and building connections in the environmental field, followed by 5 days focusing on leadership and personal development.

This program is inspired by and in memory of former ACES Education Director Arin Trook.

Highlights

• Connect, experience, and learn from local professionals focused on environmental science and sustainability. Understand their career requirements, pathways, and experiences.
• Participate in field experiences about sustainable architecture and design, environmental education, regenerative agriculture, and habitat conservation.
• Engage in hands-on outdoor leadership training and field science. 
• Develop communication, interview, and public speaking skills.
• Discover the power of storytelling and shared experiences.
• Become part of an ever growing network of past apprentices, community leaders, and the ACES family!

Week One: Building Connections (Monday, June 20-Friday, June 24)

The focus of the first week is on learning about the wide variety of environmental careers. Apprentices will participate in experiences around the Roaring Fork Valley for first-hand exposure to careers and topics in sustainability, science and education. The apprentices will reflect on their experiences and develop a plan to further explore their chosen career pathways. This week will culminate with a short presentation of what the apprentices have learned.

Week Two: Reflecting on Pathways (Monday, June 27-Thursday, July 1)

The focus of the second week is leadership and personal growth. Apprentices will spend Monday planning a 4-day backpacking trip in the mountains around Aspen (Tuesday, June 28-Friday, July 1) with their ACES instructors. They will focus on developing their leadership skills through practice, readings, journal reflections, and goal setting. Upon completion of the program, participants will become part of the ever growing network of apprentices, community leaders, and the ACES family.

Tuition

$850 – ACES members recieve 10% off- Scholarships available!

Participants can get credit toward the cost of the Apprenticeship by volunteering as an Educator-in-Training (EIT). We will discount tuition by 50% for youth who volunteer as an EIT for one week. The tuition fee is waived completely for those who commit to two or more weeks as an EIT.

College Credit Available

Participants have the option of earning two undergraduate credits through Adams State University for an additional $110 fee (paid directly to the university). This credit can be transferred to a college of your choice depending on its transfer credit policies.

Dates of Apprenticeship

This 10-day Apprenticeship takes place over two weeks, June 20-24 and June 27-July 1, 2022. Participation in all 10 days is required. The first week & Monday, June 27, each day will typically run from 9:00am-4:30pm. On Tuesday, June 28 we will meet at 10am to depart from our backpacking trip and return at 12pm on Friday, July 1. 

To Register

Please click the “Register” button, and follow the registration orange button at the bottom right of your screen. We will follow up with more information closer to the start of the program. Please email Emily, at ewilliams@aspennature.org if you are interested in volunteering as an EIT to pay for this program or if you would like to apply for a scholarship.

If you have any questions about the Trook Apprenticeship, email Emily Williams, ACES Field Programs Coordinator, at ewilliams@aspennature.org.

About Arin Trook

Arin was a light in our community, an unforgettable educator, and an inspiring force for good throughout the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond. He championed environmental and social justice issues, and passionately worked to build community and inclusivity across boundaries through education and kindness. We will all strive to follow in Arin’s footsteps and carry forward the spirit with which he led his life.

In the words of Arin, “perhaps the most radical action we can take today is the simple act of walking slowly through this wild world.”