NORWOOD -- Travis LaDue Jr. of Norwood has been selected from a competitive pool of more than 150 applicants to participate in the 2019 NatureBridge Alcoa Scholars program to embark on a two-week expedition to Yosemite National Park in California and Olympic National Park in Washington.

“I'm most excited to meet all the new people and see a part of my country I've never seen before," Travis enthusiastically said about his upcoming trip.

The Alcoa Scholars Program was developed six years ago with the aim of bringing together a diverse group of youth from Alcoa communities around the world for an intensive hands-on environmental science education experience in some of earth’s most beautiful protected lands.

This summer, students in the program, fully funded by Alcoa Foundation, will take part in backcountry expeditions and conduct scientific research that is specific to the unique terrains of the national parks. The program will also focus on Alcoa Foundation’s key areas of reducing climate change and enhancing biodiversity.