{"id":63426,"date":"2025-09-25T18:25:18","date_gmt":"2025-09-25T18:25:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/opportunitiesforyouth.org\/?p=63426"},"modified":"2025-09-25T18:25:18","modified_gmt":"2025-09-25T18:25:18","slug":"applications-now-open-for-the-2026-rising-explorer-grant-funding-for-high-school-students-and-undergraduates-in-science-and-exploration","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/?p=63426","title":{"rendered":"Applications Now Open for the 2026 Rising Explorer Grant \u2013 Funding for High School Students and Undergraduates in Science and Exploration"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"401\" data-end=\"746\">The Explorers Club is now accepting applications for the <strong data-start=\"458\" data-end=\"483\">Rising Explorer Grant<\/strong>, a program designed to empower the next generation of scientists, researchers, and explorers. With awards averaging <strong data-start=\"600\" data-end=\"610\">$2,000<\/strong>, the grant supports <strong data-start=\"631\" data-end=\"692\">high school students and undergraduate students worldwide<\/strong> who are eager to conduct meaningful field research.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"748\" data-end=\"1062\">The program focuses on <strong data-start=\"771\" data-end=\"794\">curiosity in action<\/strong>\u2014funding projects that are grounded in science, exploration, and the creation of new knowledge. Successful applicants will not only receive funding but will also gain visibility within The Explorers Club network, with the opportunity to be considered for membership.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1064\" data-end=\"1067\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"1069\" data-end=\"1087\">Who Can Apply<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1089\" data-end=\"1128\">The Rising Explorer Grant is open to:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1130\" data-end=\"1260\">\n<li data-start=\"1130\" data-end=\"1164\">\n<p data-start=\"1132\" data-end=\"1164\">High school students worldwide<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1165\" data-end=\"1201\">\n<p data-start=\"1167\" data-end=\"1201\">Undergraduate students worldwide<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1202\" data-end=\"1260\">\n<p data-start=\"1204\" data-end=\"1260\">Independent researchers working at an equivalent level<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1262\" data-end=\"1308\">To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1310\" data-end=\"1448\">\n<li data-start=\"1310\" data-end=\"1340\">\n<p data-start=\"1312\" data-end=\"1340\">A strong and original idea<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1341\" data-end=\"1372\">\n<p data-start=\"1343\" data-end=\"1372\">A clear and achievable plan<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1373\" data-end=\"1448\">\n<p data-start=\"1375\" data-end=\"1448\">A commitment to conducting research that contributes to human knowledge<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"1450\" data-end=\"1453\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"1455\" data-end=\"1480\">What the Grant Funds<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1482\" data-end=\"1634\">The Rising Explorer Grant supports a wide range of scientific disciplines and field research projects. Areas of focus include, but are not limited to:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1636\" data-end=\"1778\">\n<li data-start=\"1636\" data-end=\"1659\">\n<p data-start=\"1638\" data-end=\"1659\">Biology and ecology<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1660\" data-end=\"1685\">\n<p data-start=\"1662\" data-end=\"1685\">Wildlife conservation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1686\" data-end=\"1711\">\n<p data-start=\"1688\" data-end=\"1711\">Environmental science<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1712\" data-end=\"1744\">\n<p data-start=\"1714\" data-end=\"1744\">Archaeology and anthropology<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1745\" data-end=\"1778\">\n<p data-start=\"1747\" data-end=\"1778\">Marine and freshwater studies<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1780\" data-end=\"2000\">The emphasis is on <strong data-start=\"1799\" data-end=\"1815\">true science<\/strong>\u2014projects designed to generate new knowledge and insights. Applications proposing activities that are primarily for adventure, travel, or recreational purposes will not be considered.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2002\" data-end=\"2005\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"2007\" data-end=\"2021\">Why Apply<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2023\" data-end=\"2128\">The Rising Explorer Grant offers more than just financial assistance. Selected recipients will receive:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2130\" data-end=\"2506\">\n<li data-start=\"2130\" data-end=\"2194\">\n<p data-start=\"2132\" data-end=\"2194\"><strong data-start=\"2132\" data-end=\"2143\">Funding<\/strong> to support their research project (up to $2,000)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2195\" data-end=\"2335\">\n<p data-start=\"2197\" data-end=\"2335\"><strong data-start=\"2197\" data-end=\"2254\">Automatic consideration for Explorers Club membership<\/strong>, offering access to a global network of scientists, researchers, and explorers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2336\" data-end=\"2428\">\n<p data-start=\"2338\" data-end=\"2428\"><strong data-start=\"2338\" data-end=\"2368\">Visibility and recognition<\/strong> as part of an international community of Rising Explorers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2429\" data-end=\"2506\">\n<p data-start=\"2431\" data-end=\"2506\"><strong data-start=\"2431\" data-end=\"2504\">Support in launching or advancing a career in science and exploration<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2508\" data-end=\"2658\">This program is designed to give young researchers the resources, confidence, and platform they need to contribute meaningfully to global knowledge.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2660\" data-end=\"2663\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"2665\" data-end=\"2692\">Application Guidelines<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2694\" data-end=\"2818\">Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the full application guidelines before submitting. Important details include:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2820\" data-end=\"3761\">\n<li data-start=\"2820\" data-end=\"2914\">\n<p data-start=\"2822\" data-end=\"2914\"><strong data-start=\"2822\" data-end=\"2839\">Project Title<\/strong>: Keep titles concise and accessible, avoiding overly technical language.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2915\" data-end=\"3030\">\n<p data-start=\"2917\" data-end=\"3030\"><strong data-start=\"2917\" data-end=\"2943\">Project Categorization<\/strong>: Choose the predominant category for your research, even if it is interdisciplinary.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3031\" data-end=\"3216\">\n<p data-start=\"3033\" data-end=\"3216\"><strong data-start=\"3033\" data-end=\"3056\">Project Description<\/strong>: Clearly summarize the background, goals, methodologies, intended outcomes, and potential impact of your research. Avoid scientific jargon and abbreviations.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3217\" data-end=\"3302\">\n<p data-start=\"3219\" data-end=\"3302\"><strong data-start=\"3219\" data-end=\"3246\">Supplementary Materials<\/strong>: Images, videos, and maps may be uploaded separately.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3303\" data-end=\"3451\">\n<p data-start=\"3305\" data-end=\"3451\"><strong data-start=\"3305\" data-end=\"3327\">Letters of Support<\/strong>: Two letters of support are required. These may be uploaded directly or submitted confidentially to <a class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"3428\" data-end=\"3448\">grants@explorers.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3452\" data-end=\"3571\">\n<p data-start=\"3454\" data-end=\"3571\"><strong data-start=\"3454\" data-end=\"3474\">Ethical Concerns<\/strong>: Applicants must identify and address any potential ethical concerns related to their project.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3572\" data-end=\"3761\">\n<p data-start=\"3574\" data-end=\"3761\"><strong data-start=\"3574\" data-end=\"3585\">Permits<\/strong>: Grantees are expected to secure necessary permits for their fieldwork. Applicants should indicate the status of their permit applications, and submit copies when available.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3763\" data-end=\"3913\">Applicants should set aside at least one hour to complete the online application. Please note that partial applications cannot be saved mid-process.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3915\" data-end=\"3918\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"3920\" data-end=\"3937\">How to Apply<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3939\" data-end=\"4051\">Applications must be submitted online through the Rising Explorer Grant form. Applicants will need to provide:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4053\" data-end=\"4374\">\n<li data-start=\"4053\" data-end=\"4094\">\n<p data-start=\"4055\" data-end=\"4094\">A clear project title and description<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4095\" data-end=\"4121\">\n<p data-start=\"4097\" data-end=\"4121\">An expedition timeline<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4122\" data-end=\"4143\">\n<p data-start=\"4124\" data-end=\"4143\">A detailed budget<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4144\" data-end=\"4202\">\n<p data-start=\"4146\" data-end=\"4202\">Information on the location and methods of the project<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4203\" data-end=\"4285\">\n<p data-start=\"4205\" data-end=\"4285\">Plans for sharing findings (e.g., journal article, school paper, presentation)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4286\" data-end=\"4312\">\n<p data-start=\"4288\" data-end=\"4312\">Two letters of support<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4313\" data-end=\"4374\">\n<p data-start=\"4315\" data-end=\"4374\">Information on required permits or ethical considerations<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4376\" data-end=\"4450\">For additional support, applicants can contact <strong data-start=\"4423\" data-end=\"4447\"><a class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"4425\" data-end=\"4445\">grants@explorers.org<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4452\" data-end=\"4455\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"4457\" data-end=\"4477\">Important Dates<\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"4479\" data-end=\"4699\">\n<li data-start=\"4479\" data-end=\"4555\">\n<p data-start=\"4481\" data-end=\"4555\"><strong data-start=\"4481\" data-end=\"4506\">Application Deadline:<\/strong> Wednesday, <strong data-start=\"4518\" data-end=\"4537\">October 8, 2025<\/strong>, at 6:00 PM EST<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4556\" data-end=\"4615\">\n<p data-start=\"4558\" data-end=\"4615\"><strong data-start=\"4558\" data-end=\"4588\">Grant Awards Announcement:<\/strong> Mid to late January 2026<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4616\" data-end=\"4699\">\n<p data-start=\"4618\" data-end=\"4699\"><strong data-start=\"4618\" data-end=\"4642\">Research Start Date:<\/strong> Projects funded under this grant will commence in 2026<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr data-start=\"4701\" data-end=\"4704\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"4706\" data-end=\"4736\">Examples of Past Projects<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4738\" data-end=\"5025\">Rising Explorer Grant recipients represent a wide range of disciplines, geographies, and scientific approaches. Previous awardees have conducted research in countries including Nepal, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Argentina, Mongolia, the United States, and Venezuela. Projects have included:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"5027\" data-end=\"5434\">\n<li data-start=\"5027\" data-end=\"5077\">\n<p data-start=\"5029\" data-end=\"5077\">Conservation studies on the red panda in Nepal<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5078\" data-end=\"5147\">\n<p data-start=\"5080\" data-end=\"5147\">Research on the globally threatened Phayre\u2019s Langur in Bangladesh<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5148\" data-end=\"5225\">\n<p data-start=\"5150\" data-end=\"5225\">Investigations into the diversity of amphibians and reptiles in Indonesia<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5226\" data-end=\"5292\">\n<p data-start=\"5228\" data-end=\"5292\">Studies on endangered river fish and shrimps in Southeast Asia<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5293\" data-end=\"5356\">\n<p data-start=\"5295\" data-end=\"5356\">Archaeological research on predatory dinosaurs in Argentina<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"5357\" data-end=\"5434\">\n<p data-start=\"5359\" data-end=\"5434\">Exploration of the impacts of volcanism on marine communities in Mongolia<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"5436\" data-end=\"5629\">These examples demonstrate the global reach and diversity of the program, highlighting its commitment to supporting young researchers tackling pressing scientific and environmental questions.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"5631\" data-end=\"5634\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"5636\" data-end=\"5660\">Contact Information<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5662\" data-end=\"5783\">For questions or clarifications regarding the Rising Explorer Grant or the application process, applicants may contact:<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5785\" data-end=\"5818\"><strong data-start=\"5785\" data-end=\"5795\">Email:<\/strong> <a class=\"decorated-link cursor-pointer\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"5796\" data-end=\"5816\">grants@explorers.org<\/a><\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"5820\" data-end=\"5823\" \/>\n<p data-start=\"5825\" data-end=\"6228\">The Rising Explorer Grant is a unique opportunity for high school students and undergraduates worldwide to receive support for innovative, impactful field research. By funding projects across disciplines and geographies, the program helps nurture the next generation of scientists and explorers, ensuring their work contributes to the collective understanding of our planet and its diverse ecosystems.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6230\" data-end=\"6360\"><strong data-start=\"6230\" data-end=\"6252\">Deadline to Apply:<\/strong> <strong data-start=\"6253\" data-end=\"6288\">October 8, 2025, at 6:00 PM EST<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6230\" data-end=\"6360\"><strong data-start=\"6253\" data-end=\"6288\"><br \/>\n<b>For more Information and Applications:<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.explorers.org\/grants\/rising-explorer-grant\/#form_explorers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HERE<\/a><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Stay on <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/opportunitiesforyouth.org\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">opportunitiesconnect.com\/<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> for more opportunities. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Explorers Club is now accepting applications for the Rising Explorer Grant, a program designed to empower the next generation of scientists, researchers, and explorers. With awards averaging $2,000, the grant supports high school students and undergraduate students worldwide who are eager to conduct meaningful field research. The program focuses on curiosity in action\u2014funding projects&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":63427,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[22,23,28,29,44,31,32,25,33,38,34,26,35],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-63426","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"hentry","7":"category-africa","8":"category-america","9":"category-asia","10":"category-australia-and-oceania","11":"category-awards","12":"category-continent","13":"category-courses","14":"category-education","15":"category-europe","16":"category-fellowship","17":"category-latin-america-and-the-caribbean","18":"category-middle-east","19":"category-south-america","20":"article","21":"","23":"has-excerpt","24":"has-avatar","25":"has-author","26":"has-nickname","27":"has-date","28":"has-comment-count","29":"has-category-meta","30":"has-read-more","31":"has-title","32":"has-post-media","33":"thumbnail-","34":"has-tfm-share-icons"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63426","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=63426"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/63426\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/63427"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=63426"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=63426"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opportunitiesconnect.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=63426"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}