GCA Scholarship Recipient Volunteers in National Park to Educate and Mentor High School Students in Conservation.

Award Fostered Hands-on Conservation Techniques to Guide Students and Help Preserve Natural Resources.

May 07, 2025

By: Sid Hancock

Angel Barrott, three-time recipient of the Sara Shallenberger Brown GCA National Parks Conservation Scholarship, says that the GCA’s support allowed him to “experience things I never would have been able to and connect with individuals who enjoy being outdoors as much as I do.” The scholarship allowed Barrott to work with the Student Conservation Association (SCA), a volunteer service organization devoted to conservation.  Barrott’s field training included hands-on protection of the treasured resources of New York State’s national parks. 
 
Working his way from crew member to apprentice crew leader, Barrott planted trees; built benches; removed invasive species; and created, rerouted, and maintained trails. As a mentor to high school students last summer, Barrott, a mechanical engineering major at The State University of New York at Delhi, facilitated educational activities. “Our projects were equal parts challenging and entertaining, and I got to lead a capable group of young people as we navigated and overcame obstacles.”
 
"If I could simplify my SCA experience into a single word it would be pride." Says Barrott. “I never noticed the changes we’d made while working. It was only after the work was completed that I would get this feeling of pride, especially when I would see someone use a path for the first time.” 
 
GCA’s support, Barrott says, “helped me become more in tune with the environment and further understand my presence in it.”
 
The GCA Scholarship Committee recently announced that a record $533,000 was awarded this year to a record 119 scholars through 29 scholarship categories in areas including coastal wetlands, ecological restoration, horticulture, and landscape architecture. Next year’s applications will be available in September, 2025.