Nat Geo Mundo Explorer Contest Launch Event at Science Park High School

Optimum Community visited Science Park High School for an event to launch the kick-off of the Nat Geo Mundo Explorer Contest. Senator Teresa Ruiz joined the event and spoke to the students about the great opportunity this program brings to Newark high school students. The contest invites high school students from select schools in Newark and the Bronx to apply for a full-scholarship summer travel experience with an emphasis on learning and enrichment. Nat Geo will select one student to participate in the 2015 National Geographic Student Expedition, with program tuition and air travel paid. All trips are led by qualified trip leaders and a National Geographic expert and are provided by National Geographic Student Expeditions. Applicants are required to complete a student travel award application, including personal references and a 300-word essay on what he/she hopes to accomplish through world travel and why they should be selected. Optimum Community encouraged students to participate and walked them through the application process.

“This contest provides all students participating an opportunity to work creatively and to think broadly about the issues and events that are taking place around the world. It also offers them the chance for a full scholarship to study abroad,” said Senator M. Teresa Ruiz. “I want to thank Optimum Community and Nat Geo Mundo for bringing this initiative to the students in our area. Particularly in a 21st Century economy, programs that challenge students to think globally are incredibly important."