Nelson Institute Community Environmental Scholars Program
What is the Nelson Institute Community Environmental Scholars Program?
The Community Environmental Scholars Program (CESP) is designed for students who want to link their passion for the environment with a commitment to the community. It trains undergraduates to work with community-based environmental organizations. Community Environmental Scholars take a one-credit seminar each semester that introduces them to nearby environmental and community organizations, provides them with professional training, and gives them a place to discuss the links between Environmental Studies and community service.
As a Community Environmental Scholar, you will collaborate with a cohort of students dedicated to working with real people on real environmental problems. Participants will have preferred access to specially designed Environmental Studies Capstone (Envir St 600) courses that provide service-learning experiences with nearby environmental organizations.
Why should I join CESP?
As a CESP member, you will be a catalyst for change. Participants connect the wisdom, needs, and energy of community groups with the educational and institutional strengths of the Environmental Studies Program.
Environmental problems affect the places where all people live, work, and play. Additionally, there is an unequal distribution of environmental resources and risks across race, nationality and class lines throughout the world. Community Environmental Scholars confront these facts head on -- they will participate in direct service learning projects, and use the tools of community-based participatory research on problems such as environmental justice, food scarcity and policy, wildlife conservation, transportation equity, etc.
CESP students serve as informal recruiters, encouraging young people from all communities in Wisconsin to learn about the benefits of an Environmental Studies education at the Nelson Institute.
How do I become a Nelson Institute Community Environmental Scholar?
There are two ways to apply for the Community Environmental Scholars Program:
- apply to the program by filling out this form
- apply for one of our CESP scholarships (recipients of these scholarships are automatically enrolled into CESP)
Students eligible for financial aid and who meet certain other criteria should apply for Nelson Institute Community Environmental Scholarships. Recipients of these scholarships are automatically enrolled in the CESP.
While we would like to enroll every interested student, space in the Community Environmental Scholars Program is limited to 10-15 new students per year. All applicants will be ranked based on their application essays and academic performance.
How can I find out more details?
To find out more about the Community Environmental Scholars Program, or to answer any questions you might have, please contact the Nelson Institute's Undergraduate Programs Coordinator, Undergraduate Information or (608) 262-7996.