National Geographic Channel Selects 10 Next-Generation Explorers As Expedition Granted Finalists

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- It's a new era in exploration, as exemplified by the 10 Expedition Granted finalists selected by National Geographic Channel (NGC). In this socially fueled competition to find the next generation of explorers, one would-be Indiana Jones is a step closer to being granted a $50,000 dream expedition. The nationwide competition was developed in partnership with the National Geographic Society, 21st Century Fox and sponsors the Jeep brand and Dos Equis. The public is encouraged to vote for the winner at www.ExpeditionGranted.com now through Monday, Sept. 29.

Launched in June, Expedition Granted received more than 700 entries via Web videos outlining innovative exploration projects in science, technology, conservation, adventure, arts and beyond. The program's goal is to democratize the concept of exploration to show that in the 21st century, explorers can come from all backgrounds and disciplines and anyone with curiosity and passion can be an explorer. The winner will be announced Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2014, and, in addition to the $50,000 prize, will be highlighted in an on-air promo on NGC.

The 2014 Expedition Granted Finalists include:
Bhutan: Mega-Floods and Melting Ice
Daniel Byers: Climate Change Avenger
Cambridge, MA
"Telling the story of Bhutan's glacial lake outbursts as a visual symbol of climate change to help protect people and the environments in which they live."
http://expeditiongranted.nationalgeographic.com/project/bhutan-mega-floods-melting-ice/

Changing a Culture to Save Rhinos From Extinction
Kim Putman: Rhino Protector
Santa Monica, CA
"Want to end poaching and save rhinos from becoming extinct? Let's change how Asian cultures view Rhino horn."
http://expeditiongranted.nationalgeographic.com/project/changing-a-culture-to-save-rhinos-from-extinction/

Girl With a Book
Lena Shareef: Girl's Education Champion
Silver Spring, MD
"12 countries. 12 months. 2 women take #GIRLWITHABOOK abroad and document great folks breaking barriers for girls and education."
http://expeditiongranted.nationalgeographic.com/project/girlwithabook/

Get Pumped Up About Nature
Charlie Engelman: Nature Filmmaker
Northfield, IL
"Educational nature media's new look: Extreme tree climbing + paramotoring + coolest trees in the world = awesomeness."
http://expeditiongranted.nationalgeographic.com/project/get-pumped-about-nature-a-new-film-series-for-a-ne/

Inside a Volcano
Carolyn Parcheta: Volcanologist
Denver, CO
"Let's map a volcanic conduit system with a wall-climbing robot. It's never been done before, but it's not impossible!"
http://expeditiongranted.nationalgeographic.com/project/inside-a-volcano/

Our Glowing Earth
Josh Garcia: Glow Hunter
Los Angeles, CA
"Sparkling blue squid, giant fireflies and glowing termite mounds are unlocking secrets to the future of technology and medicine."
http://expeditiongranted.nationalgeographic.com/project/our-glowing-earth-a-3-part-expose-on-worlds-most-m/

Poop Out of Poverty
Emily MacNintch: Poop Master
Honolulu, HI
"We want to bring bio-toilets to areas in need to improve health, provide energy and compost, and foster local businesses."
http://expeditiongranted.nationalgeographic.com/project/poop-out-of-poverty/

Rig2Reef Exploration
Amber Jackson: Rig2Reef Explorer
Laguna Beach, CA
"Investigating the possibility of transforming oil rigs that are no longer in use into underwater reefs."
http://expeditiongranted.nationalgeographic.com/project/rig2reef-exploration/

Sharing America's Bone Marrow
Alex Kimura: Hero Seeker
Louisville, KY
"Turning Americans into heroes, one marrow donor at a time. A 50-state quest to change the outcomes for people with cancer."
http://expeditiongranted.nationalgeographic.com/project/sharing-americas-marrow-sam/

Through the Surface
Clinton Edwards: Surfer Scientist
Ojai, CA
"Follow @thruthesurface to study #surfing's most famous #reefs for #oceanconservation #coralhealth and #globalcitizenship."
http://expeditiongranted.nationalgeographic.com/project/through-the-surface/

"The passion and ingenuity that went into the hundreds of videos submitted for consideration were truly inspiring," said NGC CEO Courteney Monroe. "The 10 selected finalists really embrace our vision of pushing boundaries and forging new paths with their thoughtful submissions. We welcome the public votes to help narrow down our ultimate winner and 2014 Expedition Granted Explorer."

Finalists were selected based on their project's originality, ability to make an impact on the local and/or global community and viability. Expedition Granted advisors include NGC Brain Games host Jason Silva, online filmmaker Casey Neistat, chef Wylie Dufresne, psychiatrist and aeronaut Bertrand Piccard, author and science evangelist Ainissa G. Ramirez, director and artist Kenzo Digital, musician and producer Thomas Dolby, journalist and explorer Thayer Walker, futurist and social scientist Marina Gorbis, multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur Raghava KK and outdoorsman Gregg Treinish.

For more information, visit ExpeditionGranted.com and follow us on social media at #expeditiongranted.

About National Geographic Channel
Based at the National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C., the National Geographic Channels US are a joint venture between National Geographic and Fox Networks. The Channels contribute to the National Geographic Society's commitment to exploration, conservation and education with smart, innovative programming and profits that directly support its mission. Launched in January 2001, National Geographic Channel (NGC) celebrated its fifth anniversary with the debut of NGC HD. In 2010, the wildlife and natural history cable channel Nat Geo WILD was launched, and in 2011, the Spanish-language network Nat Geo Mundo was unveiled. The Channels have carriage with all of the nation's major cable, telco and satellite television providers, with NGC currently available in over 85 million U.S. homes. Globally, National Geographic Channel is available in more than 440 million homes in 171 countries and 45 languages. For more information, visit www.natgeotv.com.

About 21st Century Fox
21st Century Fox is the world's premier portfolio of cable, broadcast, film, pay TV and satellite assets spanning six continents across the globe. Reaching more than 1.5 billion subscribers in approximately 50 local languages every day, 21st Century Fox is home to a global portfolio of cable and broadcasting networks and properties, including FOX, FX, FXX, FXM, FS1, Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, FOX Sports, Fox Sports Network, National Geographic Channels, MundoFox, STAR India, 28 local television stations in the U.S. and more than 300 channels that comprise Fox International Channels; film studio Twentieth Century Fox Film; and television production studios Twentieth Century Fox Television and Shine Group. The Company also provides premium content to millions of subscribers through its pay-television services in Europe and Asia, including Sky Deutschland, Sky Italia and its equity interests in BSkyB and Tata Sky. For more information about 21st Century Fox, please visit www.21CF.com.

About the National Geographic Society
With a mission to inspire people to care about the planet, the 126-year-old National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Working to inspire, illuminate and teach, the member-supported Society reaches over 600 million people worldwide each month through its media platforms, products and events. National Geographic has funded more than 11,000 research, conservation and exploration projects, and its education programs promote geographic literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com.

About Jeep Brand
Built on more than 70 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV brand with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence.

The Jeep vehicle lineup includes Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models are sold outside North America — and all are available in right-hand-drive versions and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Chrysler Group LLC sells and services vehicles in approximately 120 countries around the world.

About HEINEKEN USA
HEINEKEN USA Inc., the nation's leading upscale beer importer, is a subsidiary of Heineken International BV, the world's most international brewer. European brands imported into the U.S. include Heineken, the world's most international beer brand, Strongbow Hard Apple Ciders, Desperados, Amstel Light, and Newcastle Brown Ale. HEINEKEN USA also imports the Dos Equis Franchise, Tecate Franchise, Sol, Indio, Carta Blanca and Bohemia brands from Mexico. For the latest information on our company and brands, follow us on Twitter @HeinekenUSACorp, or visit HEINEKENUSA.com.

SOURCE National Geographic Channel