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.

Orientation 

The program begins with orientation. Scholars attend a virtual meeting in April to discuss program logistics. The two-day orientation will occur in May; it may be in person or virtual, depending on the pandemic. Scholars will be notified of the date 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 2025 program dates? 

2025 Program Dates

New Horizons in Conservation Covening and Orientation 

Thursday, May 8, 2025 - Sunday, May 11, 2025

Intership 

Monday, June 2, 2025 - Friday, August 1, 2025

2024 Application Dates

Application Opens October 2024

Priority Deadline: Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time

Application Closes Sunday, January 7, 2025, 11:59 pm Eastern Time