“More than an internship…”
Land conservation is an environmental justice issue that affects climate change, safeguards cultural heritage, improves communities’ access to clean air, water, and recreation, and much more. Despite our region’s striking diversity, few people of color work with, serve, or lead local conservation and environmental groups. Important land use decisions therefore seldom reflect Virginia’s human diversity.
The Virginia Conservation Fellowship Program
The Virginia Conservation Fellowship (VCF) is a prestigious, selective, yearlong work/study program for juniors/seniors of color and other groups underrepresented in Virginia environmentalism. With the slogan “More than an internship,” VCF is designed to be a pipeline program that kick-starts motivated students’ careers. Fellows gain professional experience, skills, and academic credit for successful work and research coordinated with three established, pro-conservation non-profits: the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT), Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR), and Wild Virginia. Embedded within their respective organization, VCF Fellows pursue interests in environmental science, conservation advocacy, land use policy, or similar areas. This fellowship is open to undergraduate students at University of Mary Washington and George Mason University. Preference is given to in-state students residing in the organizations’ service areas.
Meet the Fellows
Meet Julia Gasink, 2022 UMW graduate and the first Virginia Conservation Fellow. Julia majored in Honors Biology and completed her GIS Certificate. She worked for 9 months with the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust.
The 2022-2023 Fellows were Krystal Lightell and Darian “DJ” Washington. Both were conservation biology majors. The 2023-2024 fellows were Noah Mack and Gabrielle Domina.
How VCF Fellows benefit
- Two consecutive semesters combining internship and independent study for academic/experiential learning credit
- In agreement with the nonprofit partners, Fellows undertake research on conservation-oriented advocacy, policy, or science supervised by your university’s faculty.
- Stipend and limited compensation for travel provided.
- At NVCT/FOR/Wild Virginia’s discretion, interns may work in offices or remotely
2023-24 Fellow Gabrielle Domina, a recent graduate from University of Mary Washington.
- Nuts-and-bolts knowledge of the profession and active experience in the field not usually available in normal internships. Examples may include:
- Shadowing and mentoring by NVCT/FOR/Wild Virginia’s directors/staff/board members, as permitted
- Observing NVCT/FOR/Wild Virginia’s board and committee meetings, etc. as permitted
- Conservation fieldwork, as permitted
- Organizing and attending NVCT/FOR/Wild Virginia’s events
- Invitation to Virginia’s United Land Trusts’ (VaULT) annual and quarterly meetings and trainings, and other professional opportunities
- Improved professional and academic prospects
- Networking and unique non-profit organizational exposure
- “Virginia Conservation Fellow” status on resumé
Qualifications and application materials
- Rising junior or senior status only at UMW or GMU. Any major may apply.
- GPA of 2.8 or above preferred.
- 400-word personal statement on preparedness, how VCF fits your career plans, and evidence of commitment to environmentalism. Please also note your transportation options (whether you have a car for personal transportation).
- At least one recommendation from an advisor, professor, or other mentor addressing academic and professional potential, maturity, and reliability (if more than one recommendation is submitted, at least one must be from a faculty member).
- View a PDF of the VCF Application Form.
Application process
Applications for this cycle are now open. If you would like more information, please fill out this online interest form. To apply, you will need to request at least one recommendation from an advisor, professor, or other mentor.
Completed applications will be due by February 21, 2025.
Meet the Selection Committee
The selection committee is comprised of UMW faculty and staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who do I contact with questions or for more information?
A: Contact Dr. Ranjit Singh (rsingh@umw.edu).
Q: When are applications due?
A: Applications are due February 21, 2025.