Host a future land trust leader

The Scholars for Conservation Leadership Program, a career and leadership development program, is building on its early momentum and preparing to give one student participant a further career boost. Lillian Dinkins, an accomplished college senior majoring in environmental science at Tuskegee University was selected from the program's talented participants for a year-long fellowship with one of the Land Trust Alliance's member land trusts.

The next step in the process is today's call for applications to Land Trust Alliance members interested in being a fellowship host. This is an incredible opportunity for an Alliance member to participate in the inaugural year of the program and gain subsidized staff support for a year. You also get the privilege of hosting Dinkins, as she works with you to gain on-the-job experience following her graduation.

"During the fellowship period, I am most interested in working on projects related to monitoring conserved lands, enhancing habitats for wildlife or fisheries, invasive species management and cross-sectoral partnerships, among other topics," Dinkins said. "I am more than excited to start a new job experience with one of you all!"

Interested members are invited to submit their application by Jan. 31 using this link. The selected Alliance member will host Dinkins and receive $50,000 to cover the cost of her salary. A match of $10,000 or housing during the fellowship period is required by the selected land trust.

Through the Scholars for Conservation Leadership Program, the Alliance and its partners seek to create space and opportunities for students interested in conservation and natural resource management to build professional connections. By attracting participants from underrepresented backgrounds, the program ultimately builds a stronger and more diverse pipeline of workers to benefit the conservation community.

"The Alliance is incredibly proud of this work of building platforms for young, bright students to connect with practitioners and opportunities for career development," said Wendy Jackson, the Alliance's executive vice president. "For 2020, we hope to expand this program to a pool of 20 students. I encourage our members to apply for this prestigious fellowship host opportunity."

Karena Mahung is a consultant with leading forestry consulting provider Indufor North America. She is supporting the Alliance's Common Ground initiative as technical lead and stakeholder engagement specialist.