The SIFT program is an introductory field skills training program at Shaw Nature Reserve designed to engage teenagers, entering grades 10-12*, in scientific exploration of the natural world.
SIFT’s virtual and in-person training activities emphasize collaboration, field skills acquisition, and scientific knowledge gain. SIFTers are exposed to a variety of field projects and career field scientists over all four seasons. Participation includes learning and paid fieldwork during the summer and the following school year. Transportation from the St. Louis area is provided.
*Please note: Starting in 2025-26, SIFT will welcome students entering grades 10-11 only.
The Student Experience
During a one-week training session in June, teens are introduced to a variety of Missouri ecosystems and gain skills necessary to conduct field research, including plant and animal identifications, biotic sampling and census techniques, testing of abiotic factors, and training in the use of maps, compass and GPS.
During the rest of the summer and school year, teens are involved in important research and restoration activities at Shaw, Tyson Research Center and other field research sites in the St. Louis area. Work opportunities may include invasive species management, habitat restoration, plant and animal inventories, field experiment set up and/or break down, data collection and data entry. Teens are paid a stipend for their work.
SIFT Participation Timeline
December: SIFT application becomes available
March: application due date
May/June: orientation meeting for accepted SIFT participants and parents
June: five-day summer training session with overnight Thursday to Friday at the Dana Brown Overnight Center
June, July, early August: weekday work opportunities on field research and restoration projects
August-March: weekend work opportunities on field research and restoration projects
Late September: full-day Saturday session
Early February: winter weekend with overnight
Early April: US Forest Service Capstone Project weekend with camping overnight
Late April: full-day Saturday session (final meeting)
Application information for Summer 2024
There are limited spaces available in the SIFT program. We strive to recruit a diverse group of teens from the St. Louis region. Students may apply during the early spring semester of 9th, 10th, or 11th grade. Participants are selected based on two teacher recommendations, personal interests, and education/career interests.
Application Timeline
December 15, 2023: Application will become available at 9:00 am
March 15, 2024: Application submission due by 5:00 pm
March 29, 2024: Recommending teachers must submit on-line form by 5:00 pm
April 19, 2024: Notification of selection or wait list status will be sent by 5:00 pm
May 10, 2024: Program commitment forms for selected participants due by 5:00 pm
May 15, 2024: Wait listed applicants notified of updated status by 5:00 pm
Important Program Dates
Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at 6:00 pm - Orientation for selected participants via Zoom
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at 6:00 pm - Orientation for selected participants at Shaw Nature Reserve
June 10-14, 2024 - Training Week (with overnight from Thursday to Friday) at Shaw Nature Reserve
Saturday, October 5, 2024 - Fall Gathering at Shaw Nature Reserve
February 1-2, 2025 - Winter Weekend (with overnight) at Shaw Nature Reserve
April 5-6, 2025 - US Forest Service Capstone Project weekend (with camping overnight) at Mark Twain National Forest
Saturday, April 26, 2025 - Spring Gathering at Shaw Nature Reserve
Questions may be directed to Jessica Kester.
application Due Date is March 15, 2024
