Fellowships for Students Interested in Environment & Sustainability

The following are just a few of the programs that offer training and mentorship opportunities designed for underrepresented students who are pursuing majors related to environmental policy, sustainability, and environmental science careers.

US Department of Energy – Minority Educational Institution Student Partnership Program The Minority Educational Institution Student Partnership Program offers talented undergraduate and graduate students summer internship positions with the U.S. Department of Energy and its National Laboratories. Positions involve scientific research or a focus on policy, business, and government relations. Internships include lodging, round trip airfare, and student stipends. As program participants, students receive an intensive 10 week assignment to “jump-start” their careers and develop their potential for future opportunities within the federal government. Students work side-by-side with leading scientists, engineers, and other top professionals to develop professional skills and enhance leadership capabilities.

APS Internship & Fellowship Listings  The American Physical Society website features listings of internships and fellowships for both undergraduate and graduate students. Check their listings for opportunities at universities, national labs, and in industry.

Graduate Education for Minorities (GEM) Fellowship Program  Provides funding for underrepresented students looking to pursue Master’s and Doctoral degrees in applied science and engineering.  The mission of The National GEM Consortium is to enhance the value of the nation’s human capital by increasing the participation of African Americans, American Indians, and Hispanic Americans at the master’s and doctoral levels in applied science and engineering.

Talent Development and Innovation and Sciences (TDIS) Summer Internship is designed to complement students’ academic learning with rich summer experiences that are designed to develop them professionally and instill in them an appreciation for innovation in STEM-related programs, NSF-funded projects, and STEM careers.  The internship also increases a students’ awareness of the circumstances that prevent minority students from receiving a quality STEM education; as well as provide them opportunities to conduct research to become familiar with NSF programs and strategies to address issues related to under-representation in STEM.

To search for additional programs, here are several internship and fellowship databases to assist you in your search  :

By Malakia Silcott
Malakia Silcott Associate Director