Since 2011, The George Alexander Foundation has supported fellowships through Earthwatch Australia's Student Challenge Program, a series of environmental science and conservation research expeditions aimed at secondary school students.

Student Challenge expeditions provide students in years 10-12 with hands-on experience in the field, working alongside qualified scientists on genuine research projects.

The program seeks to immerse students in scientific research, improve school science participation numbers and, ultimately, encourage secondary school students to pursue careers and tertiary qualifications in the environmental sciences. 

Teachers are encouraged to refer students who appear to have a genuine interest in science and environmental studies but who might be at risk of discontinuing the subjects at senior school.

Since 2011, the Foundation has awarded 350+ Student Challenge fellowships for various research expeditions. Student fellows have conducted over 15,600 hours of research, making significant contributions to research into Australia's complex environmental problems.