The Aspen Institute and National Geographic are pleased to announce that 30 scholarships are available to attend the third annual Aspen Environment Forum, to be held on July 25-28, 2010 in Aspen, Colo. Applications and nominations must be received by April 30, 2010, and those selected will join more than 400 other committed voices to explore how people from a wide range of perspectives -- business, government, academia, and non-governmental organizations -- can work together to develop bridges to long-term, equitable sustainability across a variety of interconnected issues, including energy, environmental conservation, and climate change adaptation/management.

The Aspen Institute and National Geographic, the organizers of the Aspen Environment Forum, designed the Scholars Program to bring 30 diverse, accomplished leaders to the Forum who might not otherwise have the resources to attend. Forum Scholars are selected on the basis of their experience, achievements, and interest in energy and the environment, as well as their commitment and contributions to the field. Past Forum Scholars, chosen from a competitive pool of applicants, have constituted a wide range of backgrounds, including practitioners, entrepreneurs, academics, community organizers, members of the public, private, and independent sectors, and students.

Scholars will be hosted in Aspen by the Aspen Institute and will have the opportunity to explore complex and challenging ideas about energy, the environment, and the economy -- focusing on what we can do as citizens, corporations, and countries. Forum Scholars are invited to take part in the Forum's extensive programming, including large plenary sessions; panel discussions; one-on-one interviews; multiple, concurrent morning and afternoon sessions; unique daily seminars; luncheons; casual conversations; dinner events; and evening exchanges.

Applications and nominations can be submitted online at http://www.aspenenvironment.org/aspen-environment-forum-scholars-program. The deadline for submissions is Friday, April 30, 2010.

"It is our hope and experience that Forum Scholars will not only learn from and be inspired by our program at the Aspen Environment Forum, but will also enrich the conversation through their unique voices, experiences, and talent," said David Monsma, executive director of the Institute's Energy and Environment program.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce fresh perspectives and energize the dialog at the Aspen Environment Forum," said Dennis Dimick, executive editor for the environment at National Geographic magazine. "It's always exciting to meet and speak with Forum Scholars, who greatly contribute to the Forum with their insights."

More information about the Aspen Environment Forum is available at http://www.aspenenvironment.org/.

EDITORS' NOTE: Media interested in obtaining a press pass for the 2010 Aspen Environment Forum can apply online at http://www.aspenenvironment.org/media.

The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 375 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,200 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com.

The Aspen Institute mission is twofold: to foster values-based leadership, encouraging individuals to reflect on the ideals and ideas that define a good society, and to provide a neutral and balanced venue for discussing and acting on critical issues. The Aspen Institute does this primarily in four ways: seminars, young-leader fellowships around the globe, policy programs, and public conferences and events. The Institute is based in Washington, DC; Aspen, Colorado; and on the Wye River on Maryland's Eastern Shore. It also has an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.

Aspen Institute

Aspen Institute

The Aspen Institute is an educational and policy studies organization based in Washington, DC. Its mission is to foster leadership based on enduring values and to provide a nonpartisan venue for dealing with critical issues. The Institute has campuses in Aspen, Colorado, and on the Wye River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. It also maintains offices in New York City and has an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org or follow on Twitter @AspenInstitute.

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