NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 23, 2026
CONTACT: Eric Carlson, ecarlson@revcenter.org

Trade fluorescent lights for canyon skies.

High school students and K–12 educators ready to explore culture, environmental systems, and science through immersive, boots-on-the-ground learning are invited to apply for these upcoming opportunities:

• Cottonwood Crossing Summer Institute for high school students - June 14-19, 2026

• Cottonwood Canyon Teacher Institute for educators wanting professional development units - June 14-19, 2026 or June 21-24, 2026

This is the 13th year of the Cottonwood Crossing Summer Institute, held each summer at Cottonwood Canyon State Park near Wasco. The institute is a week-long residential field studies program with course options in storytelling and natural resources. 

“Overall, it’s just a great experience, and definitely worth your time,” said a previous student participant.

Another student said, “CCSI has improved my ability to make better friends and taught me expectations about how life is. It’s also taught me about jobs I might be looking forward to.”

High school students earn college credit for the program while living and learning at the Cottonwood Canyon State Park along the John Day River. The cost of the program is $350 per student, plus a $25 registration fee; scholarships are available. Please visit www.revcenter.org/cottonwood-crossing-summer-institute to learn more and register.

For K-12 teachers, Cottonwood Canyon Teacher Institute offers an atypical setting for professional development. 

CCTI is an intensive four-day long residential place-based field studies program for teachers from throughout Oregon. Participants choose from course options where they learn about locally significant cultural or natural resources. Projects are led by EOU faculty and other regional professionals.

This is the fifth year of CCTI. Teachers can choose to attend either the same week as the high school students or for a few days after, without high school students. 

Teachers who attend will receive a stipend and professional development units. Additional funds are available to cover transportation costs for teachers bringing students with them. For more information, contact Eric Carlson at ecarlson@revcenter.

“If someone were to come to me wondering if they should attend this, I would say ‘Go for it!’ This is the best professional development I’ve ever attended as a teacher. I got to learn real skills, I’m taking home something I built.,” said a former participating teacher.

During this week, teachers engage in hands-on learning through projects. CCTI encourages collaborative time with colleagues to identify and problem-solve challenges when using these techniques and skills with students.

Teachers can register for CCTI at www.revcenter.org/cottonwood-canyon-teacher-institute.

These programs are coordinated by the Rural Engagement and Vitality Center with cooperation from Eastern Oregon University, Gray Family Foundation, Oregon Parks Forever, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, and the Roundhouse Foundation.

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