Alcoa awards nineteen environmental scholarships

2017 Alcoa Foundation NatureBridge recipients that will take part in one of two US expeditions in July and August this year.

Nineteen local high school students are among 55 scholars worldwide who will participate in scientific expeditions at National Parks in the United States of America after being awarded scholarships by Alcoa Foundation.

The NatureBridge program is designed to empower students aged 16 – 18 to learn how their actions impact their community and the world around them.

In coming months, the scholars will embark on expeditions in two of the world’s most beautiful and protected parklands including Yosemite National Park in California and Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. Scholars will team up with likeminded students from across the globe to conduct research and explore environmental issues.

Alcoa of Australia Chairman and Managing Director Michael Parker said the company was proud to provide this unique opportunity to young people who are passionate about the environment.

“These impressive young people are already making a positive difference in the communities closest to our operations, and there’s no doubt this opportunity will further empower them to make a positive difference in the world,” Michael said.

“With applications from 14 countries, it is an outstanding achievement to be chosen for the scholarship and we congratulate them for pursuing this chance of a lifetime.”

The scholarships, which were first offered by Alcoa in 2014, are hosted by non-profit organisation NatureBridge. They provide hands-on environmental field science education for teens and cover the cost of airfares, visas and the full two-week program.

ENDS

Media contact: Gail Black 9557 4163 / 0419650570 gail.black@alcoa.com.au 

About Alcoa

Alcoa (NYSE: AA) is a global industry leader in bauxite, alumina and aluminum products, with a strong portfolio of value-added cast and rolled products and substantial energy assets. Alcoa is built on a foundation of strong values and operating excellence dating back nearly 130 years to the world-changing discovery that made aluminum an affordable and vital part of modern life. Since inventing the aluminum industry, and throughout our history, our talented Alcoans have followed on with breakthrough innovations and best practices that have led to efficiency, safety, sustainability and stronger communities wherever we operate. Visit us online on www.alcoa.com, follow @Alcoa on Twitter and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Alcoa.