THIS IS WYSE
The Washington Youth Summit on the Environment is an interactive program that provides high-achieving high school students with an interest in the environment, conservation, sustainability, and related fields with a unique experience exploring careers in these areas.
Our National Youth Delegates get access to exclusive field visits and sessions with researchers, scientists, directors, and program staff. Student Delegates are led in small groups by faculty advisors who have extensive experience in conservation and the environment.
THIS IS WYSE
The Washington Youth Summit on the Environment is an interactive program that provides high-achieving high school students with an interest in the environment, conservation, sustainability, and related fields with a unique experience exploring careers in these areas.
Our National Youth Delegates get access to exclusive field visits and sessions with researchers, scientists, directors and program staff. Student Delegates are led in small groups by faculty advisors who have extensive experience in conservation and the environment.
MEET OUR PARTNERS
WYSE partners with well-known organizations to connect students to leading researchers and gain access to the most up-to-date information in the environmental field. Since the start of the program, our partners have contributed to the work we do and have helped students discover their passion for environmental careers.
MEET OUR PARTNERS
WYSE partners with well-known organizations to connect students to leading researchers and gain access to the most up-to-date information in the environmental field. Since the start of the program, our partners have contributed to the work we do and have helped students discover their passion for environmental careers.
SMITHSONIAN'S NATIONAL ZOO
The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute plays a leading role in the Smithsonian’s global efforts to save wildlife species from extinction and train future generations of conservationists. SCBI spearheads research programs at its headquarters in Front Royal, Virginia, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and at field research stations and training sites worldwide.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization committed to exploring and protecting our planet. The Society funds hundreds of research and conservation projects around the world each year and inspires new generations through their education initiatives and resources.
SMITHSONIAN'S NATIONAL ZOO & CONSERVATION BIOLOGY INSTITUTE
The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute plays a leading role in the Smithsonian’s global efforts to save wildlife species from extinction and train future generations of conservationists. SCBI spearheads research programs at its headquarters in Front Royal, Virginia, the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and at field research stations and training sites worldwide.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization committed to exploring and protecting our planet. The Society funds hundreds of research and conservation projects around the world each year and inspires new generations through their education initiatives and resources.
HEAR FROM OUR COMMUNITY
Each year, students, parents, and educators help shape the WYSE program and work with our staff to provide the students the best experience possible. Hear from past participants about how their experience with WYSE impacted them!
HEAR FROM OUR COMMUNITY
Each year, students, parents, and educators help shape the WYSE program and work with our staff to provide the students the best experience possible. Hear from past participants about how their experience with WYSE impacted them!
GET TO KNOW OUR TEAM
The staff at WYSE work year-round to provide a quality, safe, unforgettable program for students. Each year, we welcome summer staff with a passion for sharing their knowledge and engaging young people in environmental problem-solving. Our entire team is committed to students and their families to provide an unparalleled experience and ensure students learn and grow during the week they are with us.
GET TO KNOW OUR TEAM
The staff at WYSE work year-round to provide a quality, safe, unforgettable program for students. Each year, we welcome summer staff with a passion for sharing their knowledge and engaging young people in environmental problem-solving. Our entire team is committed to students and their families to provide an unparalleled experience and ensure students learn and grow during the week they are with us.
WYSE LEADERSHIP
RICHARD FRIESNER, PH.D
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
ELENA JOHNSON, M.ED
DIRECTOR, WASHINGTON SCHOLARS PROGRAM
ALI DODSON
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, WASHINGTON SCHOLARS PROGRAM
RACHEL CLEAVER
SENIOR ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, K-12 PARTNERSHIPS
MELISSA MOORE
DIRECTOR OF LOGISTICS
SYDNEY KIRWAN
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, WASHINGTON SCHOLARS PRGOGRAM
LAUREN JACKMAN
SPEAKER COORDINATOR
DAWN APONTE
ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST, WASHINGTON SCHOLARS PROGRAM
WYSE SUMMER STAFF
Each summer, WYSE has incredible staff join the leadership team to help make the WYSE experience unforgettable. We will provide summer opportunity information here when we begin the hiring process for the coming year!
ADVISORY BOARDS
HONORARY ADVISORY BOARD
From scientists and leading researchers to environmental managers and entrepreneurs, the Advisory Board exemplifies the hard working leaders in environmental fields. The board helps guide the work of WYSE by ensuring we remain current in the ever-changing environmental landscape.
YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD
The Youth Advisory Board (YAB) assists the WYSE leadership team with future conferences and initiatives. The YAB fulfills an important part of the WYSE team and participates in virtual meetings and calls to provide feedback and guidance for the summer conference planning process.