“I feel most grateful for the diverse network of people in the environmental/conservation field that I am now part of.“

– Ki’Amber Thompson, 2016 DDCSP at U of M Scholar

Led by Dr. Dorceta Taylor, Program Director and Principal Investigator, the Yale Conservation Scholars – Early Leadership Initiative (YCS- ELI) [formerly the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program at University of Michigan/Yale School of the Environment] is a summer opportunity for undergraduates who are traditionally underrepresented in the conservation field and who are interested in careers in the sector. YCS-ELI is a part of the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Sustainability Initiative (JEDSI) at Yale School of the Environment. 

If you are…

• An undergraduate student interested in conservation, nature, and the environment;
• Interested in internships in the environmental field;
• Keen to explore natural habitats and outdoor spaces in New England;
• Looking for a space to have discussions about diversity and inclusion as it pertains to the conservation and environmental fields;
• Excited to bring new ways of looking at, understanding, and protecting the earth’s resources;
• Eager to become a part of a community of like-minded peers from across the country —

…you should consider applying!

Hear from past scholars

“I was able to learn more about my interests and passions within the environmental field. Being a part of DDCSP at U of M has also made me more confident in my capabilities as an environmentalist and conservationist along with improving other skills such as public speaking, organization, and time management.”

“When I began college, I was thoroughly convinced that I was “not a science person” and could not picture myself assuming any level of leadership in environmental science. Four years ago, I would not have imagined that I would ever apply for Ph.D. programs, but now I’m preparing to pursue a Ph.D. in microbial ecology.

Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program at Yale School of the Environment Archived Pages