Realizing the planet we deserve.
USESO prepares students to work on era-defining challenges that intersect Earth, technology, and society.
Announcements
National Open Exam registration [LINK] opens Dec 1, 2025, and closes Feb 21, 2026.
Updates to registration process:
- USESO has an updated Proctor Eligibility Policy [LINK]. New Proctor Verification Step: USESO is implementing a proctor verification requirement. Proctors must complete this step using the official Proctor Verification form [LINK]. Proctors only need to fill this form out one time, and we recommend they do so as early as possible. They may be asked to complete a short Zoom call with USESO staff.
- Updated Open Exam Registration Payment Policy: USESO has transitioned to a “pay what you can afford” model with two fee options for the National Open Exam:
$25 — standard registration
$5 — for participants with financial need. We may follow up to request more information in this case.
In the event of a chargeback against USESO, the examination linked to the chargeback will not be graded until the dispute is resolved. If the chargeback was issued in error and was irreversible (our most common scenario), the registrant must repay the exam fee plus an additional $20 chargeback fee to cover costs incurred by USESO. All payments must be submitted through our online system (you can pay with card, PayPal, or Venmo via Cognito Forms). To pay by check, please email [email protected] for instructions. No exceptions will be made to this policy. - Age requirement: USESO has updated its age requirements for Training Camp eligibility. Students must be 15 years of age or older by June 13, 2026 in order to attend Training Camp. Students who are younger are welcome to take the National Open Exam to gain experience in our test, but they are not eligible to attend Training Camp.
LEES Program: The LEES program is the policy and equity focused version of the science-focused Training Camp program. Instead of academic exams, selection for the LEES program is based on essays that assess the unique perspective and specific areas of interest that each applicant can bring to the program. More information about registration can be found here.
Updated November 27, 2025
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The United States Earth Science Organization (USESO) incentivizes and prepares ambitious, purpose-driven students to work on era-defining challenges that intersect Earth, technology, and society.
Our program identifies and serves students who exhibit potential for becoming formidable leaders through deep understanding of a specific domain and independence of thought.
We provide students with opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and individual agency through competition, outdoor field studies, and discussions led by industry experts and faculty.
By investing in these students early in their journey, our impact compounds exponentially over time towards assembling a truly influential generation of leaders capable of making high-leverage decisions in the planet’s best interest.
How to Participate
Registration
The USESO National Open Exam takes place each year in the spring, and is the first step towards the USESO Training Camp and IESO. Registration for the Open Exam typically opens near the beginning of each year.
National Open Exam
The exam is administered in March for all students and helps determine those invited to the Training Camp. The syllabus and supplemental materials for the Open Exam and the Training Camp can be found under Preparation. Additionally, students often find Past Exams to be a valuable resource.
Training Camp
Students selected from the Open Exam are invited to a week-long residential camp in the summer (usually late June to early July) to learn, meet fellow Earth science enthusiasts, and prepare for the IESO. See Training Camp for eligibility and more information.
Registration
The LEES program usually takes place in mid-July. Registration for this program typically opens in April.
Application Process
Participation in the LEES Program is not dependent on exam scores. Rather, students will be asked to submit one or more essays for admission. More information about the essay(s) will be provided when registration opens.