We’ll be back June 22, 2026. Scholarships and partnerships will be open for 2026. Partner with us →
Amplify the FutureOpportunity + Equity
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Scholarships & Outdoor Education

Amplifying a more equitable future in conservation, STEAM & birding.

We expand opportunities for higher education, foster careers in conservation, and nurture a deep appreciation for the outdoors — for those historically excluded from these spaces.

Partner With Us Support a Student
Racial Justice Environmental Justice Community Science Opportunity + Equity
3
Programs amplifying equity
2020
Serving students since
15+
Students & pros supported*
$50K+
Awarded in scholarships*

Our Approach

Opportunity and equity, until the system catches up.

We envision a system in which higher education is free, equitable, and accessible across the United States. Until then, we are here — providing scholarships, mentorship, and networking for students historically excluded in conservation and STEAM.

Explore our programs

Mission

“We amplify opportunities for equity for the historically excluded in conservation, STEAM, and birding.”

Through scholarships and outdoor education, we build pathways — and the coalition to sustain them.

What We Do

Four programs, one mission

From scholarships to outdoor education, each program opens a door for students and early-career professionals.

🐦

Freedom Birders

Our outdoor education program — connecting community, birding, and racial justice in the field.

🎓

Black & Latinx Birders Scholarship

Direct support for students pursuing conservation, ornithology, and environmental study.

👑

BIPOC Birders Graduate Mini-Grant

Flexible funding for graduate students advancing equity and science in the field.

Partner With Us

Build the coalition for a more equitable future.

When your organization partners with Amplify the Future, you fund scholarships and outdoor education — and you stand visibly with the communities you want to reach. Authentic alignment, real audience, lasting recognition.

Nestling

$1,000

Logo on our sponsor wall, a newsletter feature, and a social thank-you.

Fledgling

$5,000

Named scholarship mention, event recognition, and an annual impact recap.

Migratory

$15,000

A named scholarship, logo in program materials, and a partner spotlight.

Keystone

$50K+

Co-branded initiative, priority presence, and custom impact storytelling.

Start a partnership

Who We Are

Board of Directors

A diverse group of professionals guiding our mission and strategy — committed to growth, transparency, and empowering the communities we Amplify.

Tykee James

Co-founder & Board Chair · Colorado
Co-creator of Black Birders Week (2020) and a leader for equitable access to nature. Serves on the boards of Justice Outside, Green Leadership Trust, and DC Bird Alliance.

Orietta Estrada

Co-founder · Washington, DC–Baltimore
Senior communications strategist and environmental storyteller; co-founder of Amplify the Future and the Black & Latinx Birders Fund. Host of BirdsNatureLife.

Samantha DeJarnett

Board Member · Oregon
Creator and host of The Always Be Birdin’ Podcast and an advocate for Black, Brown, and Indigenous liberation in birding and conservation.

Price Holman

Board Member · Washington, DC
Rutgers-trained environmental advocate focused on protecting the natural world and making a positive impact for people and wildlife.

Nadia Elysse

Board Member · Massachusetts
Full bio coming soon.

Véro Couttee

Board Member
Full bio coming soon.

News

The latest

Our full calendar of events returns June 22, 2026. In the meantime, here’s what we’ve been up to.

Fiscal Sponsor of Black Birders Week 2024

Amplify the Future proudly served as fiscal sponsor of Black Birders Week 2024.

Read more →

Scholarship Recipients

Meet the students supported by the Black & Latinx Birders Scholarship.

Read more →

Returning in 2026

Scholarships and partnerships reopen June 22, 2026. Subscribe below to be the first to know.

Give

Every gift opens a door

Founded in May 2020 by Tykee James and Orietta Estrada alongside the Black & Latinx Birders Scholarship—the first effort of its kind in the United States. Your support funds scholarships and outreach directly. Give the way that works for you.

Recurring gift

Become a sustaining donor and amplify impact all year long.

Give monthly

One-time gift

Make a single contribution of any amount, securely online.

Donate now

Checks & honoraria

We gladly accept mailed checks, speaking fees, and honoraria.

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Contact

Get in touch

Interested in sponsoring or partnering — or have a question? We’d love to hear from you.

Email us

Administrative hours: Mondays, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET

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Amplify the Future

Amplifying opportunities for equity for the historically excluded in conservation, STEAM, and birding.