This program, hosted by Cornell University, Princeton University, and Notre Dame University, provides undergraduate with an immersive opportunity to conduct hands-on research in Kenya's drylands, focusing on socio-environmental system transitions. Hosted at the Mpala Research Centre, the program emphasizes sustainability challenges such as climate adaptation, sustainable land use, and social equity, combining academic expertise with local knowledge. Students undergo extensive pre-fieldwork training, including language preparation and research methodology workshops, to equip them for culturally informed and scientifically rigorous fieldwork. Over six weeks in Kenya, participants collaborate with local communities, employing diverse research methods like GPS tracking of livestock, plant surveys, and household interviews. The student-scout partnership model fosters meaningful engagement, enabling students to integrate scientific inquiry with community perspectives. After returning to the U.S., students analyze their findings and produce reports that contribute to addressing pressing environmental and social issues in dryland regions. The program offers a transformative experience that equips students with vital research skills and a deeper understanding of global sustainability challenges.