Investing in Tomorrow’s Conservation Leaders
Through internships, fellowships and advocacy, TNC in Connecticut partners with emerging environmental leaders to shape a sustainable future.
From classrooms to the field to board rooms—The Nature Conservancy in Connecticut partners with students in conservation leadership programs that deliver hands‑on experience, advocacy skills and real‑world impact across the state.
Explore Opportunities
The Power of Conservation Leadership Programs
Connecticut’s environmental future depends on a diverse pipeline of emerging conservation leaders. Through internships, fellowships and mentorship, TNC in CT helps students gain practical skills in urban forestry, stewardship, policy and communications while bringing fresh ideas that strengthen our mission and benefit communities.
- Skills & Experience: Fieldwork, data analysis, outreach and policy engagement.
- Equity & Inclusion: Pathways for students from varied backgrounds and disciplines.
- Community Impact: Projects that improve local resilience and public health.
Our Programs
Yale Conservation Scholars (YCS)
The Yale Conservation Scholars—Early Leadership Initiative places students with host organizations—including TNC in CT and partners—for summer internships that develop practical conservation skills and leadership. Scholars have supported urban forest inventories, stewardship and nature‑based solutions with community partners.
Learn more: Yale Conservation Scholars Program
Board of Trustees Fellows
TNC in CT’s Board of Trustees Fellows Program invites students to serve in a non‑voting capacity on the CT Board for a year‑long term. Fellows attend quarterly meetings, join committees and contribute to priority projects—bringing research insights and new perspectives to conservation strategy.
- Responsibilities: Board participation, committee work, project support.
- Who Applies: Graduate and advanced undergraduate students in environmental fields or related disciplines.
- Timeline: Applications typically open in spring.
Learn more/apply: email Emma Groves Baldacci, Executive Assistant & Trustee Liaison for Connecticut
Meet Our Scholars
Spotlights: Scholars & Fellows Making an Impact
Logan Torres & Nisi Tuitupou—From Scholars to Board Fellows
Logan (Brown → Yale School of the Environment) and Nisi (Bowdoin, environmental science/history/chemistry) began as Yale Conservation Scholars and later joined TNC in CT as Board of Trustees Fellows—deepening their leadership journey while contributing to stewardship and research.
Skyler Nix & Corey Huebner—Urban Forestry & Advocacy
Skyler and Corey supported urban forestry initiatives—including inventory work in Bridgeport with partners like Groundwork Bridgeport and EMERGE CT—then joined TNC staff and trustees in Advocacy Day meetings with Connecticut’s congressional delegation, championing nature‑based solutions and community resilience.
Tessa Hospod—Research to Leadership
A UConn environmental science student, Tessa bridges academic research with board service. Her work—profiled by The Daily Campus—illustrates how student inquiry can inform TNC priorities and strengthen collaboration statewide.
Pathways & Outcomes
Students often progress from YCS internships to Fellows roles, then contribute to TNC projects, research and advocacy. Many continue into graduate programs or environmental careers—creating a durable network of leaders working for Connecticut’s lands and waters.
- Hands‑on Training → Leadership Experience → Career Development
- Mentorship & Networking with TNC staff, trustees and partners
- Real Projects in stewardship, urban forestry, science and public engagement
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Get Involved
Students: Apply for Yale Conservation Scholars or Board Fellows and gain real‑world experience.
Supporters: Invest in conservation leadership programs that build capacity and deliver local impact.
Partners & Hosts: Collaborate on placements, research projects and community initiatives.
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Stay connected to hear about openings, spotlights, and upcoming events.
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