Environmental Studies

Registration will open early January 2025. Sign up for our newsletter below for program updates.

This Pre-College at Eckerd program is the perfect opportunity for high school students to explore environmental studies as a potential major here at Eckerd College.

Modeled after one of our most popular majors, this pre-college program enables students to work with our accomplished interdisciplinary faculty using on-campus facilities and the neighboring community to study a variety of the natural wonders of the Tampa Bay area.

This program delves into many topics featured in our undergraduate curriculum—including coastal and wildlife management, green infrastructure, environmental communication, and field research.  

Students should come prepared to get wet and work hard each day as they participate in indoor and outdoor activities.

Activities

Students enrolled in this program will:

  • Participate in data collection for field research
  • Kayak along barrier islands and through mangrove forests
  • Interact with Florida’s native flora & fauna
  • Learn how to communicate about environmental science and research
  • Explore local aquariums to better understand how we can work together to protect coastal and marine wildlife
  • Take part in coastal resiliency projects and initiatives on campus
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June 8-13, 2025

Students entering 10th, 11th or 12th grade in Fall 2025

$1,900

Cost includes: participation in (and transportation for) all sessions, activities, labs, program supplies, field trips, entrance fees, use of college recreational facilities, meals, lodging and snacks.

Program Requirement

Students must be able to pass the swim test, three full laps for a total of 150 yards, without touching the bottom of the pool, using any style and with no time limit.

Required Forms

Parent/Guardian Waiver
Medical and Travel Form

Eckerd Environmental Studies in the news

Room and Board

Facilities

Few colleges have a more attractive setting than Eckerd College. Our 188-acre waterfront campus provides a magnificent atmosphere and safe environment. Eckerd College is located in St. Petersburg, just off I-275 exit 17.

Directions & Map

Counselors

Residential counselors work with students in the late afternoons, evenings and overnight. Staff consists of well-trained current Eckerd College students and recent graduates eager to share their enthusiasm for learning.

Housing

Students will live in air-conditioned Eckerd College student residence halls, double- or triple- room occupancy, reserved exclusively for participants in this program. Counselors will be present in each single-sex residence hall.

Meals

Student participants will eat in the main cafeteria which can accommodate allergies, lactose and gluten-free diets. We also have kosher, vegetarian and vegan options available to students. If you have particular needs, please be sure to note them on the General and Medical Information form.

Refund Policy

Withdrawal DateRefund
60 days before start date100%
30 days before start date50%
20 days before start date20%
<20 days before start date0%

Processing fee of $25 is non-refundable.

No refund will be issued for the following:

  • If a participant fails to show up for the program.
  • If a participant is dismissed from the program by the College.

Participants who cancel their registration and are eligible for a refund should contact precollege@eckerd.edu or 727.864.8422.

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