When we launched the Environmental Fellowship Program (EFP) in 2022, our goal was to provide early career opportunities for young professionals with identities that have been historically underrepresented in the environmental and conservation fields.
Through the 14-month fellowship, fellows gained hands-on experience within a Mass Audubon department, built professional connections in the environmental field, and acquired needed tools as they embark upon their careers.
Alums from the first cohorts have proven the power of this program. Past fellows have landed everywhere from the Harvard Geospatial Library to the Conservation Law Foundation to the Connecticut Land Conservation Council. And five alums stayed on with Mass Audubon, serving various roles throughout the organization.
One such is Amara Chittenden, a member of the first cohort and currently Community Engagement Coordinator in Boston. “As a fellow in conservation science, I am grateful to have had so many different experiences that continue to shape my love for nature— from nesting birds on coastal islands to salt marsh vegetation, database and project management, and so much more,” Chittenden said. “It is crucial that the early careers program is supported—not only to lower barriers to entry in the environmental field, but to ensure that fellows continue to be heard, mentored, celebrated, and promoted for years to come.”
In addition to the EFP, Mass Audubon’s other early career program, Massachusetts Climate Corps (MCC), offers college students an eight-week summer internship. During the 2024 summer, six interns from five colleges attended professional development workshops and conducted research related to climate resilience.
The culmination of both the EFP and MCC takes place every August at the Early Career Programs Symposium. Here, the fellows and interns presented their findings and personal projects to Mass Audubon staff and members of our board, providing invaluable presentation and networking skills that will continue to serve all the alums for years to come.
Learn more about the Early Careers Program and how you can help it grow
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