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2024 Recipient Elena Sparrow

YLACES was honored to present Dr. Elena Bautista Sparrow with this award at the YLACES’ 10th Anniversary reception during the American Geophysical Union (AGU) fall meeting on December 10, 2024, in Washington, DC. 
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Dr. Elena Bautista Sparrow

The Youth Environmental Science (YES) Medal is presented by YLACES to honor those who’ve made significant contributions to youth learning as citizen environmental scientists. Imagine a group of passionate individuals who not only care about the environment but also actively involve young minds in understanding and protecting it.

 

The 2024 YES Medal will go to Dr. Elena Bautista Sparrow of the University of Alaska Fairbanks. 

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Dr. Sparrow wears many “hats”- she currently serves as: 

  • Education Outreach Director, International Arctic Research Center (IARC)

  • Research Professor, Department of Natural Resources and Environment

  • GLOBE Alaska Partnership Director

  • Principal Investigator, Arctic and Earth SIGNs, University of Alaska Fairbanks​

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In her many roles today and throughout her long career, Dr. Sparrow has significantly contributed to student environmental research in Arctic ecosystems and has strengthened the GLOBE Program in Alaska and throughout the world.

 

She has chosen the Fostering Science program to receive the $10,000 grant that accompanies the Medal. Fostering Science program that provides a free science camp to foster youth who are extremely underrepresented in science camps. This yearly camp supports the development and ecological/environmental curiosity of youth in the foster care system in Alaska. The majority of these youth are Alaska Native. Campers get the opportunity to develop an identity in science and their culture through close mentorship with Alaska Native Elders, Indigenous educators and professional scientists. 

About YLACES:

Youth Learning as Citizen Environmental Scientists assists and rewards the implementation of inquiry-based, experiential science education where students do science and contribute to the understanding of our environment through recognition and financial reward programs.

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Grants range from equipment and supplies for taking environmental measurements to recognition and support for students presenting their research projects and working for pervasive inclusion of student research projects in science teaching. 

Notice of Non-Discrimination:

YLACES does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, marital status, source of income, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or retaliation in the administration of its programs or activities, as is required by applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders. It is the policy of YLACES to support organizations, projects, and programs that do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or any other legally protected characteristics. YLACES does not knowingly award grants to organizations that discriminate in their hiring, those they accept as volunteers, or the clients they serve. YLACES seeks to accommodate all who need support to the maximum extent possible.

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YLACES is responsible for coordination of compliance efforts and receipt of inquiries concerning the non-discrimination requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; and other applicable federal non-discrimination laws, including, but not limited to, Section 13 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 and 40 C.F.R. Part 7.

 

If you have any questions about this notice or any of YLACES’ nondiscrimination programs, policies, or procedures, you may contact:

Dixon Butler

President, Youth Learning as Citizen Environmental Scientists

1920 Quincy Street, NW

Washington, DC 20011

(202) 302-0302

dixon@ylaces.org

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© 2025 by Youth Learning As Citizen Environmental Scientists.

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