Applications for the University of California Santa Cruz Conservation Leadership Immersion Program (conservationleadership.ucsc.edu) are due February 1, 2026. Their goal is to serve students from groups with ideas, perspectives and experiences traditionally underrepresented in conservation who can contribute to broadening, redefining, and strengthening efforts to protect land, wildlife, and water. In March they will select 8 undergraduate Scholars from around the country to participate in a two-week conservation immersion program followed by an 8-week summer internship. Each Scholar receives a $10,800 stipend for living expenses and housing. The program starts with a two-week (May 31 – June 13, 2026) , immersive field course on conservation practice, leadership, and ecological research on UC Natural Reserves from the coast to the mountains in Central California. For the remainder of the summer (June 15 – August 8, 2026), Scholars pursue eight-week research and practice internships with nationally recognized research labs or conservation organizations. Professional development workshops during Fall 2026 prepare Scholars to apply for jobs and graduate school. In summer 2027, Scholars will attend a national research conference. Throughout the program, teach Scholar is provided ongoing mentoring support that continues past program completion as alumni, and they join a nationwide alumni network for peer support and professional networking. Visit their FAQ for more questions about eligibility and criteria or email scholars@ucsc.edu.