The Program

The Program

The Yale Conservation Scholars—Early Leadership Initiative (YCS-ELI) is a summer program for undergraduates from diverse backgrounds, with a focus on those who are historically underrepresented in environmental institutions. The program places scholars in environmental internships primarily in the Northeast U.S. region, including but not limited to Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, and Washington, D.C.

 Corey at TNC New Haven

2025 YCS-ELI Scholar Corey Hubner (second from left) at a community event with his team as part of his summer internship with The Nature Conservancy Connecticut. Photo Credit: Corey Hubner

Orientation 

The program begins with orientation. Scholars attend a virtual meeting in April to discuss program logistics. The three-day orientation will occur in May; it may be in person or virtual. Scholars will be learn more information of the dates and type of orientation when they are offered a spot in the program.

Why YCS-ELI at YSE?

  • Competitive stipend
  • Option to extend for a second summer
  • Explore the state of Connecticut
  • Free career consultation and professional development help
  • Form lasting friendships and connections with students across the country 
  • Chance to travel and explore a unique ecosystem
  • Access and partial funding to the groundbreaking New Horizons in Conservation Conference  

Why spend your summer in Connecticut?

  1. The food. New Haven Apizza is legendary; Louie’s Lunch is the birthplace of the modern hamburger, and lobster rolls are a New England staple. (source, source)
  2. America’s oldest operating amusement park, Lake Compounce, is in Bristol, CT. (source)
  3. New Haven boasts many different artistic venues, from the Yale Repertory Theater, The Shubert Theater, The Yale University Art Gallery,  The Symphony Orchestra at Woolsey Hall, or even the best dive venue in New England, Toad’s Place. (source)
  4. Many historical locations are within a day’s drive, including Plymouth Rock, Boston, New York City, Salem, and the Rhode Island Cliff Walk. (source)
  5. Located on Long Island Sound, Connecticut is surrounded by beaches, nature trails, boating, and birding.  (source)

What are the 2026 program dates? 

2026 Program Dates

New Horizons in Conservation Convening and Orientation 

Thursday, May 7, 2026 - Saturday, May 9, 2026

Intership 

Tuesday, May 26 -  Friday, July 24, 2026

2026 Application Dates

Application Opens Monday, September 22, 2025

Priority Deadline: Monday, December 1, 2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Application Closes Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time