In this proposal, elevation science institute is requesting funds to support two different but equally important aspects of our research and education programming

First, we are asking for funds to hire one of two summer field interns for the 2024 field season. Our field internship program was inaugurated in 2022 and was a spectacular success. Building off of that momentum, we have already selected our 2023 field interns, and are excited to provide them with a unique and extremely thorough experience, learning not just the practice and process of field paleontology, but also how to plan and operate both a research and public expedition, from start to end. This includes BLM permitting, budgeting, client services, extensive and multi-faceted outreach and science communication, and so much more. This is a comprehensive field paleontology internship program that is not available anywhere else. Secondly, we are requesting funds to help US purchase a trailer, which will be pulled by a UTV to be purchased separately in 2024. This trailer will be an extraordinary help in hauling supplies and equipment at the beginning of each season as we set up our field sites, and especially at the conclusion of the seasons when IT will be essential for hauling important new specimens in fossil field jackets from our quarries to our vehicles. A trailer will make both of these laborious and exhausting efforts more efficient, more safe, and will help US to leave a smaller impact on the landscape. Both aspects of this project align seamlessly with numerous BLM, DOI, and biden-harris administration goals and priorities.