Applications close: Thursday October 8, 2026
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis (with a limit of 25 students)
Program Overview:
The UMACS Sustainability Fellows Program is a leadership development program for undergraduate and graduate students from October 2026-May 2027. Students selected for the Fellowship program will:
  • Attend weekly virtual leadership development trainings in the fall on Fridays, 2:30-4:00pm Central Standard Time, from October 16-December 18, 2026. 
    • ​The program will kick-off with Climate Wayfinding, a deep learning program for people seeking clarity, courage, and community on their climate journeys. The second half of the program will prepare students to successfully design and implement a Fellowship project. Resources will include human-centered design, campus outreach strategies, and the Intercultural Development Inventory.
  • Attend two Sustainability Career Panels on Tuesday, December 1 from 5:00-6:00pm CST,  and Friday, March 5 from 2:30-4:00pm CST. 
  • Design and implement a Fellowship project (during the winter and spring) that will help multiple UMACS campuses advance sustainability.
  • Present their Fellowship project to other Sustainability Fellows and share it with other campuses.
  • Receive leadership coaching and mentoring from co-facilitators Sophia Agtarap and Megan Voorhees (learn more about the facilitators here).

Requirements:
Student applicants are required to:
  • Attend all weekly trainings on Fridays from 2:30-4:00pm Central Standard Time. These will begin on October 16, 2026 and end on December 18, 2026.
    • ​(If you are unavailable to participate at these times but are interested in the program, please fill out this form; we will notify you if we start a second cohort). 
  • Be able to commit to 25 hours (total) from October 2026-May 2027.​
  • Complete a fellowship project before the end of the academic year. 
The host campus is required to:
  • Identify an advisor who will commit to regular meetings with the student fellow to support the development of their Fellowship project. 
  • Pay the student for their time in the program (either an hourly wage or stipend is fine).
  • Pay the program fee and purchase the Climate Wayfinding book. The 26-27 program fee is $300 for Limited Campus Members and $150 for  Supporting Campus Members. Scholarships are available. ​
Application Process
  • Students are strongly encouraged to apply by September 15, 2026. Students who apply by the priority deadline will be notified if they have been selected by September 23 and will be able to meet each other in person at the 2026 UMACS Conference!
    • (Conference attendance is not required to participate in the program). 
  • Applications will close on Thursday, October 8th at 6:00pm.
  • Applicants will be selected based on their ability to meet all program requirements.

Questions:
Any questions about the program or scholarship applications should be directed to Megan Voorhees, UMACS Executive Director, [email protected]
What past Student Fellows have said about the program:​
"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."

Quotes from past Climate Wayfinding participants:

“I left Climate Wayfinding feeling recharged, inspired, connected, part of the climate movement, and oriented with a clear sense of how I can contribute and what my next steps will be.

“Climate Wayfinding helped me dig deep into understanding my emotions and motivations around addressing the climate crisis. I feel more capable of talking about the challenges we face, and more inspired to work toward solutions. The blend of reflection, discussion, and intentional goal-setting make me excited to get to work, on personal and professional pathways.” 

“Climate Wayfinding was unlike any other educational experience I’ve ever been a part of—catered to the entire person (mind, body, heart, spirit), crafted with astonishing thoughtfulness and intentionality, framed by people whose joy + intentionality + eagerness to engage made all the difference.”

“Even though I had the climate knowledge and the passion, I realized something was still holding me back from taking the climate action I wanted to take: fear, and the inner work I needed to do to actually sit without fear and understand it. Climate Wayfinding gave me the space, tools, and supportive community to do this work. I feel a new steadiness. Steady in myself and in how I can best be of use in the climate movement.”