Yale Conservation Scholars – Early Leadership Initiative 2025

Applications are open for the Yale Conservation Scholars – Early Leadership Initiative 2025.

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.

Benefits

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.

Eligibility

You are eligible 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 like-minded peers from across the country

Application

Fill out the general application form online.
Provide your transcripts on the form. You can request a copy from your school or scan a PDF. Upload them where the application form requests transcripts.
Have two people who can serve as references submit letters of recommendation. They suggest asking teachers, mentors, or anyone who has played a role in your education. Letters of recommendation by family and friends are not permitted. Enter the recommender’s email and a personal note in the letter of recommendation field. The recommender will be able to upload their letter directly to the application. Letters of recommendation are due by the application deadline. You are responsible for ensuring letters are uploaded. The application portal allows the option to select three recommenders. More letters of recommendation will not affect your application. Only request three letters if you are unsure that your recommenders will upload their letters on time. If you have any questions, email YCS-ELI staff at [email protected].

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Yale Conservation Scholars – Early Leadership Initiative 2025 | $8,000 stipend

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