Yale Conservation Scholars - Early Leadership Initiative 2025 ($8,000 stipend)

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About Yale Conservation Scholars Early Leadership Initiative

Led by Dr. Dorceta Taylor, Program Director and Principal Investigator, the Yale Conservation Scholars - Early Leadership Initiative (YCS-ELI) [formerly the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program at University of Michigan/Yale School of the Environment]is a summer opportunity for undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds who are interested in careers in the sector.

The program places scholars in environmental internships primarily in the Northeast U.S. region, including but not limited to Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, and Washington, D.C. YCS-ELI is a component of the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Sustainability Initiative (JEDSI) at Yale School of the Environment.

• School: Yale School of the Environment

Benefits of Yale Conservation Scholars Early Leadership Initiative

The following is provided to scholars:

• Approximately $8,000 stipend for their internship and pre-program activities.
• $300 discretionary fund for personal expenses related to the program (attire, supplies, etc.).
• Up to $2,000 housing, food, and travel supplement.
• Workshops on how to navigate the Graduate School process.
• Professional development workshops.
• Professional development support (this may include travel to conferences and field site visits).
• Support for some mentor-related expenses.
• Access and support for the New Horizons in Conservation Conference.

Yale Conservation Scholars Early Leadership Initiative Requirements

You are eligibile if you are:

• An undergraduate student interested in conservation, nature, and the environment;
• Interested in internships in the environmental field;
• Keen to explore natural habitats and outdoor spaces in New England;
• Looking for a space to have discussions about diversity and inclusion as it pertains to the conservation and environmental fields;
• Excited to bring new ways of looking at, understanding, and protecting the earth's resources;
• Eager to become a part of a community of likeminded peers from across the country

Please review the frequently asked questions prior to applying for more information regarding the program. https://conservationscholars.yale.edu/faq 

Please see https://conservationscholars.yale.edu/apply for other criteria that support a strong application. If you have any questions while filling out this application, please contact us at [email protected].

Application Date and Process

Below, you will find a list of requirements to fulfill the application process. Please take the time to read through your entire application before you hit submit to ensure that you have answered all questions and that they are filled out correctly. We will only review complete applications. A complete application includes:

• Application form
• A CV or resume
• School transcript
• Two letters of recommendation *All letters of recommendation must be received by the January 7th deadline. You can send recommendation letter requests before submitting your final application.*

If you must edit your application, do not submit a new application; reach out to us for instructions. 

Application Deadline

08 January, 2025

Scholarship Application Portal

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