Applications now open to all majors for Sustainability Pathways Fellowships in the Methow Valley
Students, are you interested in a paid work experience in an organization doing sustainability work next summer? Do you want to be part of a small, supportive cohort living and learning together while managing community-engaged projects?
Sustainability Pathways offers paid fellowships in the Methow Valley that pair on-the-job work experience and academic coursework in a residential community learning lab. These fellowships include work in many areas, including ecological restoration, energy studies, town planning, zero waste, wildlife biology, food systems, and public health.
This fellowship experience is interdisciplinary and open to all majors! Given that sustainability work happens at the nexus of social justice, environmental quality, public health, and economic vitality, many different perspectives, talents, and ideas are needed to do this work. Our goal is to develop systems thinking skills to enable cross-sector community work.
If any of this sounds interesting, this sustainability fellowship program might be the place for you this summer!
About the fellowship:
This eleven-week experience takes place in the Methow Valley, is cohort- and community-focused, and involves participation in the 3-credit WWU Sustainability Planning Studio course (UEPP 471), which is an opportunity to learn, develop, and apply project management and sustainability consultant skills through helping with a community project that makes a real impact. You can see recent projects on the UEPP 471- CSPS course website.
The fellowship involves a paid practicum helping an organization in the Methow or Okanogan Valleys advance its work in sustainability. Partners are local non-profit organizations, towns, schools, agencies, farms, and other businesses committed to mentoring young people entering their field.
Most positions will be 20-24 hours per week and typically pay minimum wage ($16.28/hr). Up to 8 internship credits are available for those who need them for their major but they are optional. Most positions also have the option of being part of the Civic Leadership and Engagement Corps, which qualifies members for an AmeriCorps education award with completion of additional community-engaged service.
Housing is provided, and past students have successfully been able to sublet their Bellingham housing for the summer.
A Sustainability Pathways fellowship is a great way to apply the knowledge you have acquired in courses to hands-on, community-engaged projects and immerse yourself in a welcoming community that's excited to have young people help advance sustainability initiatives while gaining professional experience.
When:
The fellowship program runs from June 17 – August 30
How to apply:
Applications are open now and can be submitted via the Sustainability Pathways website by going directly to the fellowship application form. Applications are open until January 7. Apply early!
Want more info?
Come to an open house. There will be an informational open house to learn more about the program with alumni from past years on Monday, December 11 from 5:00 - 6:00 pm. Register via the Sustainability Pathways Fellowship website or directly via this open house registration form.
Visit the Sustainability Pathways Fellowship website. Currently, the website has the 2023 positions for reference and will be updated with confirmed positions by Winter quarter. You are encouraged to apply for the program now and we will invite you to indicate the positions you are most interested in during the application process.
Read about former fellow Maia’s experience in the program in her Western Today article: My Summer in the Methow Valley with Sustainability Pathways or check out a local Methow Valley News story from this year.
Reach out to Joshua Porter (Research Associate & Director, Sustainability Pathways) at Joshua.Porter@wwu.edu.