FREED is for BIPOC* students by BIPOC students and professionals. At FREED, participants will experience a series of workshops taught by majority BIPOC graduate students and young professionals in the environmental and conservation sectors. Workshops have previously covered topics including Indigenous history of Algonquin Park, bird identification, aquatic sampling, story-telling and more! Depending on the event, we offer a learn to canoe and camp session, an art gallery event, and a scavenger hunt for all participants as well.
All FREED events are free to attend and students receive small bursaries, equipment and transport subsidies as well.
To learn more, scroll to the bottom for FAQs. Or check out our summary reports to read about our previous events!
*Self-identifying Indigenous, Black and/or Racialized
Trent University and University of Waterloo
We have closed for applications for our 2024 weeklong event at Algonquin Park for Trent and Waterloo undergraduate students!
For more information, please email directorsfreed@gmail.com
Queen’s University
We have closed for applications for our 2024 weeklong event at Algonquin Park for University of Toronto undergraduate students!
For more information, please email directorsfreed@gmail.com
University of Toronto
We have closed for applications for our 2024 weeklong event at Algonquin Park for University of Toronto undergraduate students!
For more information, please email directorsfreed@utoronto.ca
University of Guelph & McMaster University
We have closed for applications for our 2024 weeklong event at Algonquin Park for McMaster University and University of Guelph undergraduate students!
For more information, please email directorsfreed@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to participate in FREED?
There are no upfront costs to participate in the FREED program. However, we recognize that participating in fieldwork often means taking time off from paid work as well as purchasing resources (e.g., fieldwork clothes, equipment, etc.). As such, FREED developed a sliding scale to allocate subsidies on a needs-basis for all participants to acknowledge each individual’s unique circumstances. Upon selection to participate in FREED, a self-assessment will be provided for you to identify your circumstances to actively participate in our program. Additionally, we aim to cover as many costs as possible, including accommodations (room, board, and food), transportation, equipment, and providing care subsidies for those who require it for dependents and children.
Do I have to be a student from a specific department to apply?
It will depend on the event but generally, applications are open for all undergraduate students to apply. We strongly encourage those that have an interest in conservation, environment, and/or ecology and evolutionary biology to apply.
How Do I Apply?
We prioritize self-identifying Indigenous, Black, and/or Racialized (BIPOC) students who have minimal to no fieldwork or outdoor experience and have an interest in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology or a similar field. If you have a desire to learn about the outdoors and nature, to experience fieldwork at a remote field station with a group of like-minded people, to build community amongst peers, or to explore your own interest in pursuing a career in conservation, we strongly encourage you to apply.
FREED 