The SIFT program is an introductory field skills training program at Shaw Nature Reserve designed to engage teenagers, entering grades 10-11, 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.
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
Early 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
Early October: 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 2025
We strive to recruit a diverse group of teens from the St. Louis region. Students may apply during the early spring semester of 9th or 10th grade. (For the 2025-26 cohort, current 11th graders will be considered if they have previously applied for the SIFT program.)
Due to a large number of applicants for a maximum of 28 participants each year, students with completed applications, including two teacher recommendations and clear answers for each question, will be selected by random lottery.
Application Timeline
Applications are due March 15, 2025 by 5 pm. No exceptions.
Teacher recommendation forms will be sent to the email addresses provided between March 1 and March 16, 2025.
Two teacher recommendations must be received by March 28, 2025 at 5 pm. Applications must be supported by teacher recommendation forms to be considered for acceptance.
Notification of acceptance will be sent via email to the student and parent/guardian email addresses provided no later than April 18, 2025 at 5 pm.
Students must return commitment forms, signed by parent/guardian, by May 9, 2025. If commitment forms are not received by that date, then the student will no longer be eligible for the SIFT program.
Important Program Dates
Sunday, June 1, 2025 at 2 pm in-person Orientation at Shaw Nature Reserve OR Tuesday June 3, 2025 at 6 pm virtual Orientation over Zoom
June 9-13, 2025 - Training Week (with overnight from Thursday to Friday) at Shaw Nature Reserve
Saturday, October 4, 2025 - Fall Gathering at Shaw Nature Reserve
February 7-8, 2026 - Winter Weekend (with overnight) at Shaw Nature Reserve
Date to be determined - US Forest Service Capstone Project weekend (with camping overnight) at Mark Twain National Forest
Saturday, April 25, 2026 - Spring Gathering at Shaw Nature Reserve
If you have questions, issues with the application submission, or concerns, please email snrsift@gmail.com.
applications are DUE March 15, 2025 by 5 pm
