Program Innovation
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K-8 programs that include both academic and enrichment programs for experiential nature-based learning
Academic & Enrichment Programs include:
Spring Camp
Summer Camp
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Our secondary education programs focus on paid learning and introduction to career pathways in the natural and built environment.
Academic & Enrichment Programs include:
Winter Cohort
Spring Cohort
Internship & Paid Learning Opportunities
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Our Post-Secondary programs focus on workforce development through college and career training with hands-on work experience.
Programs include:
At ELSO Inc., we continue to catalyze STEAMED learning, foster social capital, and expand access to career opportunities through critical partnerships and relationships. Together, we are building a future where STEAMED education drives sustainable and equitable innovation to better people from all walks of life.
Through over eight years of programming, we have been committed to improving outdoor access for all and diversifying the STEAMED workforce. Since 2023, Tappin' Roots Nature Educators have given each young adult access to 280 hours of paid hands-on leadership development experiences. We are breaking barriers to careers in science and the outdoors!
Wayfinder’s Day Camp exposed over 150 youth to interdisciplinary STEAMED lessons in immersive, science-based camps. Studio Justice program and the Youth Climate Education Project engaged 48 youth in hands-on learning alongside corporate partners in architecture, engineering, and construction. Through our consulting services, we provide peer organizations with individualized services that reflect our mission. Our outreach events like the Harvest Party, Exploring Engineering Day, and Youth Design Forum have sparked curiosity about science, engineering, and urban design for over 850 youth!
K-8 programs that include both academic and enrichment programs for experiential nature-based learning
Primary Education
Wayfinders
The Wayfinders program is a STEAMED-based camp for K-8 students that combines science and nature, helping kids develop environmental literacy and a love for learning.
Wayfinders camps offer week-long adventures in nature with science projects and guest lectures from professionals.
Our camps are designed to foster a lifelong love of learning and curiosity about the world.
Summer Camp
Come to Wayfinders Summer Camp and spend 4 weeks experiencing everything from outdoor science, aquatics, coding, and design to the history of culturally relevant figures!
Our secondary education programs focus on paid learning and introduction to career pathways in the natural and built environments.
Secondary Education
Tappin’ Roots
Tappin’ Roots (TR) is an internship program for high school students in the Greater Portland area.
TR seeks to train and empower the next generation of local leaders using:
Storytelling
Mentorship
Career exploration
Place-based learning
Healing practices
TR’s partners hope to connect young Oregonians to nature. Each Intern is eligible to receive up to $4000 based on their participation in the following:
Orientation
Monthly Symposiums
Mandatory Training Week
Hours worked with their assigned partner organization
After orientation, interns will participate in monthly career symposiums led by professionals implementing relevant skills and knowledge needed to educate future leaders about the natural world. Interns will participate in summer nature-based education work with one of TR’s community-based partners as well as a week of mandatory training.
Tappin Roots will resume in spring 2026. Check back soon for more updates!
To Apply
For registration questions, please email info@campelso.org
(If you are a Texas applicant please apply here.)
Studio Justice
Studio Justice is ELSO’s design program. Studio Justice is a series of paid after-school programs and outreach events for youth ages 14-20 to learn about design as a tool enabling leadership and agency for youth. Our programs aim to expand our youth’s STEAMED career pathways to include professions in the built environment while widening their exposure to green sector careers.
Through this vital opportunity, participants can find their STEAMED identities and learn about designing public spaces, the power of place, and health equity.
There are no student fees for design program events. Instead, we ensure youth participants receive a scholarship stipend to support growth in STEAMED learning and related careers.
(If you are a Texas applicant please apply here)
Studio Justice Youth Design Forum
The Studio Justice Youth Design Forum is ELSO’s annual design forum for Portland’s youth to explore and learn about local neighborhoods. Past themes of the design forum include “Journey to Explore & Restore” and “Bringing Change to the Quarter.”
The design forum aims to center youth in the learning and decision-making process of the community’s urban design and infrastructure projects. It is also a chance for them to learn about public investment in physical, mental, and economic empowerment. Our design forum creates the opportunity for youth to learn from experts and share valuable insights on how they envision the future of their city.
Email Kenneth Turner, ELSO’s Program Director, for more information!
You've come to the right place!
Are you interested in design and planning? Do you want to get paid to learn how to create better neighborhoods? Do you have questions about combining these topics into a profession you can pursue?
Our Design Cohorts engage young adults and how they can design for the future.
At the end of the 8-week cohort, participants will present efficient design examples of ways for local schools to be involved in climate education through design, leadership, positive inclusion, and support from the local community. Participants will demonstrate new skills and deliver their own designs as a part of the Climate Justice Directory Project, an ongoing collection of youth-centered redesigns of Prescott Elementary School for better integration with nature and climate education.
The cohorts conclude with participants presenting projects through an open panel discussion with community members and leaders.
Upon completion of the cohort, participants will receive a $250 stipend.
Have any questions?
Send us a message! ELSO’s Program Director, Kenneth Turner will help you out.
Exploring Engineering Day
Join us for an evening of exploring the engineering world! Be part of hands-on design challenges, interact with diverse engineers, and become a community of future engineers.
Exploring Engineering Day is Saturday, March 7th, 2026!
Exploring Engineering Day is dedicated to bringing together school-aged youth and role models for an opportunity to learn about the various fields of engineering, develop confidence, and pique their interest in STEAMED. Youth will engage in hands-on challenges and interact with Portland-based engineers.
For future STEAMED professionals
Come and spend the day with an engineer completing activities and tasks designed to encourage critical thinking. Meet a supportive group of like-minded youth, work together, and form a support network. Talk to professionals in STEAMED to initiate mentorship, networking, and representation.
Solve challenges while making friends
Exploring Engineering Day is filled with guests, professionals in the community, and opportunities to make friends! Come and join 70+ youth and work on design challenges, enjoy a delicious meal from local restaurants, and win raffle prizes.
Exploring Engineering Day is an annual event filled with discovery, exploration, and collaboration for youth who aspire to have STEAMED centered careers.
Our post-secondary programs focus on workforce development through college and career training with hands-on work experience
Post-Secondary Education
Tappin’ Roots Emergent Leaders Fellowship
Through culturally grounded learning experiences, mentorship, and field-based exposure, young people will gain the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to lead and thrive in their future careers.
ELSO’s Tappin’ Roots Fellowship is now open to college students!
The Tappin Roots (Emergent Leaders) Fellowship: College Cohort is a hands-on leadership program for college students ages 18–22 in the Portland–Vancouver Metro Area. Running from September 2025 through June 2026, the fellowship offers participants a $9,000 stipend for a commitment of 10–15 hours per week. Open to students of all majors enrolled at colleges in Oregon or Washington, the program provides a unique opportunity to gain professional experience while developing skills as future leaders.
Hands-on Learning in:
Urban forestry
Environmental management
Outdoor Education
Accessibility
Sustainability
Applications are currently closed. Please check again next year!
