Applications for the University of California Santa Cruz Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program (conservationscholars.ucsc.edu) are available today through January 27th.
Each March we select 20 early-undergraduate Scholars from around the country to participate in a two-year conservation mentorship program, with the goal of growing a diverse community of leaders to strengthen conservation. Our program focuses on two immersive summer experiences between academic years, and each summer Scholars receive a $4,600 stipend and funding to cover travel, room, and board.
During the first summer (June 11th – August 5th, 2023), Scholars participate in an eight-week, immersive field course on conservation practice, leadership, and ecological research while traveling with a close group of peers and mentors through California*. During the second summer, Scholars pursue eight-week research and practice internships with nationally recognized conservation organizations, labs, and agencies. A professional development retreat after the second summer brings together the Scholar cohort and prepares them to apply for jobs and graduate school. Throughout the two years, we work with ‘home mentors’ at each Scholar’s campus to provide ongoing support. We mentor Scholars well past program completion as alumni, and they join a nationwide alumni network for peer support and professional networking.
We serve all college students who can study in the United States without a visa (including citizens, nationals, residents, refugees, DACA, undocumented, and more) and who plan to finish a four-year degree with a graduation date AFTER December 2024. We highly encourage applicants from groups underrepresented in environmental conservation to apply. Visit our FAQ for more questions about eligibility and criteria.
We are planning two informational webinars on December 5 and January 13. Applications are now available and will close at 11:59 pm Pacific Time on Friday, January 27, 2023.
For more information, visit conservationscholars.ucsc.edu or email us at scholars@ucsc.edu.
