Virginia Conservation Network’s Summer Environmental Fellowship
Launching our *paid* summer environmental fellowship program
The Virginia Conservation Network (VCN) will be continuing the success of our fellowship program with a third paid Environmental Advocacy Fellowship Program for the Summer of 2024! The Environmental Advocacy Fellowship aims to build up the next generation of environmental leaders with focus on increasing the racial diversity of experienced candidates looking to break into the non-profit environmental field.
Our previous classes of Fellows have continuously brought amazing knowledge and experience to our organization and Network. Their work throughout VCN’s various projects and initiatives was invaluable towards our Networks’ effort of protecting Virginia’s environment and natural resources.
Experience in Virginia’s Conservation Community
Fellows will join the VCN team for ten weeks over the summer to gain invaluable experience by immersing themselves in summer-long projects designed specifically for the fellowship. Past Fellows have had the opportunity to work on various projects, including:
- Volunteering in grassroots advocacy with non-profit organizations who are a Partner of the Virginia Conservation Network
- Engaging in policy research in VCN’s major issue areas: climate & energy, land use & transportation, clean water, and land & wildlife conservation
- Developing virtual events for interns working with our Network to build long-term relationships and form connections with the future leaders of tomorrow!
- Conducting interviews and recording the history of VCN & our Network Partners
Applications Are Open for the Environmental Advocacy Fellowship!
We are now accepting applications for three full-time until March 15th. We highly encourage current students and recent graduates of color to apply if you:
- show commitment to advancing climate and environmental justice policy
- express interest in outreach within the environmental and conservation sphere
- seek professional and networking support from Virginia’s environmental leaders
- aim to launch a career in the environmental movement with a passion for inclusivity and justice
More details about the Fellowship can be found on our website. For any questions about the fellowship or application process, you can email fellowship@vcnva.org.
“The Virginia Conservation Network gave me a rare opportunity. I was able to get my foot in the door and gain valuable experience in a field I wanted to enter desperately but didn’t know how to. I learned more on the job than I did over the course of many semesters of schooling and made many extremely valuable connections along the way. The abundance of professional development opportunities, wonderfully kind mentors, vast partner network, and absolutely favorable working conditions make the Virginia Conservation Network an extremely ideal organization to work with.”
“During my time at the Virginia Conservation Network, I was fortunate to create incredible memories, seize valuable opportunities, and engage in profound learning moments. I cannot express how invaluable this experience has been for me, particularly as a first-generation college student and an individual of color. Seeing firsthand the impressive efforts being made for Virginia’s environment left a deep impression, and I’m genuinely grateful I could contribute. The doors that VCN has opened for me through its dedicated team and extensive partner network are too numerous to count. I couldn’t have asked for a better organization to be a part of.”