Wittenberg's annual GSMIT Fire week trip to the Smoky Mountains was made possible by the NSF Noyce Scholarships and Stipends program, created for Wittenberg Noyce Scholars, yet is open to all Wittenberg Students.
If you are interested in STEM, teaching, and outdoor learning, then this four-day trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park–Institute at Tremont could be the trip for you! Wittenberg students from a wide range of majors interact with faculty and learn how teachers from across the country implement experiential learning opportunities outside with students. In this biodiverse environment, students hike, enjoy bonfires, search for salamanders in creek beds, sing Bluegrass music, and reflect on their own professional direction.
Step outside and have your curiosity and creativity stimulated by this biodiverse environment while learning how classrooms without walls provide endless opportunities! Our annual trip includes (optional) hiking excursions and provides students with ample time to reflect on their professional mindfulness. This year, we are also going to get involved in community science initiatives at Tremont and help document the abundance of species like trees and songbirds in the National Park. We haven’t forgotten that the Smoky Mountains are also home to some of the best thrill rides in the country. This year’s trip will bring back a fan-favorite from last year, the longest coaster in Tennessee, the Rocky Top Mountain Coaster. Whether you have visited Tremont before or are interested in your first adventure to the Smokies, all students interested in a STEM field or education are encouraged to apply!
Dates for the 2027 GSMIT trip are from Monday, March 1st through Thursday, March 4th. The cost for the trip is $280. Application for the 2027 GSMIT F.I.R.E. Week is only open until November 5th, 2026!
Scholarship applications are open until Nov 20:
Additional GSMIT Scholarship Information
For more information, please contact Dr. Hope Elliott at elliotth@wittenberg.edu.
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