2024-25 Student Fellowship Group at the 2025 Conference

What have past Fellows said about the program? 
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"I learned how to be a more thoughtful and collaborative leader. The program helped me reflect on my goals and focus on solutions that truly support people and the planet."

"Connecting with students from across the Upper Midwest and learning with them was good soul food, especially in times like this that can make our work feel so isolating!"

"All the leadership lessons were really helpful. Learning to be a better leader in sustainability has helped a lot not only at my internship job, but also in my classes and beyond."

"I thought the program was great. I really enjoyed getting to know everyone, all layout and frequency of the events, and the topics of them."

"I really enjoyed my time here at UMACS. The lessons, [reflections} and checking in with like minded people every month was fantastic, and I am very glad I was accepted and participated in the UMACS program."

"I'd just like to say that this program has really helped me on a professional level and in my personal life. I strongly believe that there would be a HUGE value in continuing to do it."
Program Overview
The UMACS Sustainability Fellows Program is a leadership development program for undergraduate and graduate students from November 2025-June 2026. Students selected for the Fellowship program will: 
  • Participate in monthly virtual 90 minute meetings that will include interactive leadership and professional development training (including campus outreach, project management, intercultural competence), an opportunity to meet with a variety of sustainability professionals and receive​ career advising, and have time to share ideas and connect meaningfully with the other Sustainability Fellows. ​
  • Develop a Fellowship project that will help multiple UMACS campuses advance sustainability. Examples of past Fellowship projects include developing a Instagram post to help people learn about the value of native plants, hosting a UMACS "coffee chat" on digital sustainability badging, and presenting on carbon campus carbon counting at the annual conference. Fellows are supported in designing projects that align with their skills and interests
  • Receive leadership coaching and mentoring from the UMACS Executive Director.​
  • Students will also be encouraged to attend the 2026 UMACS Annual Conference for an in-person reunion. ​

Selection Criteria
Student applicants need to: 
  • Be from a UMACS Member Campus (campuses can apply to be Limited Members for free).
  • ​Commit to spending approximately 20 hours in the program, including the trainings, individual coaching and working on team projects.
  • ​Identify a staff or faculty  advisor who will commit to the following expectations. 
Expectations of Student Supervisors/Advisors:
  • ​Be willing and able to pay students up to 20 hours to participate in the program, or at least provide a small stipend or credits to the student for completing the program in May 2026. 
  • Mentor and support the student during the Fellowship and help them to connect to campus resources as needed. 
  • Commit to paying the program fee: 
               Supporting Member campuses: $100/student
                Limited Member Campuses: $300/student.
  • Program fees help to fund UMACS Staff time, the fee for the Intercultural Development Inventory, and scholarships for other campuses that are unable to pay the program fee. 
  • If paying a full program fee or providing an incentive to students to participate in the program is not possible, please contact Megan.

​Application Process
Interested students should confirm with their identified campus supervisor/advisor that they support their application and will be able to commit to expectations listed above. UMACS will select a maximum of 16 students in the program and will prioritize a diverse cohort of students representing every state in the region, a variety of different kinds of campuses, disciplines and experiences. No more than 3 people per campus will be accepted.


​Time Line
  • Monday, October 27, 1:00 pm CST: Applications are due​
  • ​Friday, October 31: Applicants will be notified about selection decisions.
  • Monthly meetings: We will hold our first two meetings on Friday, November 7, and Friday December 5. The times of these meetings will be chosen based on the availability of applicants. We will find meeting dates for January-May once students know their class schedules for the winter and spring.  ​​

Questions
Any questions should be directed to Megan Voorhees, Executive Director, [email protected]