I am very excited to announce that NRDC is teaming up with other environmental organizations to sponsor the Roger Airliner Young (RAY) Marine Conservation Diversity Fellowship Program. Named in honor of a pioneering African-American female marine biologist Roger Airliner Young (pictured at the bottom), this fellowship program is a year-long paid opportunity for recent college graduates from diverse communities and backgrounds. The program seeks to provide the graduates with the skills, resources and support to launch rewarding careers in the field of conservation generally and marine conservation specifically. NRDC and other environmental groups are hoping that the RAY fellowship will encourage recent college graduates of diverse communities and backgrounds to pursue career development opportunities in marine conservation, by providing leadership training and developing a pipeline for career development. The program is accepting applications now through March 21st. The Fellows will be announced on June 15, 2016.
The RAY fellow will assist NRDC staff members in ongoing advocacy efforts in ocean conservation. The fellow will have an opportunity to work on a range of ocean issues which may include preventing new oil and gas development along the outer continental shelf, improving fisheries management, securing new marine protected areas, engaging in regional ocean planning, promoting protection of the Arctic and of the high seas, and working to defend against environmental rollbacks in the legislative process. Through this work, the Fellow will gain skills in research and analysis, written advocacy, oral advocacy, and participation in regulatory processes. The Fellow will be an integral part of NRDC's team and will gain exposure to a variety of activities including legislative advocacy, science meetings, and advocacy strategies including meetings with stakeholders.
There is a lot of exciting work going on now in marine conservation, both in the U.S. and internationally, and we are eager to promote greater diversity and inclusiveness within this important field, as well as in the conservation field more generally.
Fellows will be paid and will receive health insurance, benefits and a professional development grant of $1,000. Each fellow will also receive formal mentorship and have access to a variety of professional networks.
For more information, please go to RAY Conservation Fellowship Program.
