Environmental Management Fellows Program
Become a Mentor
Accepting Mentor Applications for 2026
What is an EMFP mentor?
Mentors are the cornerstone of the Environmental Management Fellows Program, supporting and supervising students working alongside them on real-world environmental projects. Ideal mentors are employed at agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and institutions engaged in natural resource management, climate resilience, sustainability initiatives, policy, and environmental education. Fellows work a minimum of 500 hours from May through September on mentor-supervised projects and are compensated by the EMFP for their work.
What could an EMFP Fellow do for you?
Undergraduate fellows may serve your organization as project assistants, field researchers, data analysts, communications and outreach coordinators, youth educators, or sustainability strategists. Have a project or task that’s been sitting on the back burner? The EMFP team can assist with project planning and provide ongoing support throughout the year to ensure your fellow is contributing meaningfully, gaining valuable experience, and advancing environmental stewardship in Rhode Island.
How does URI support EMFP mentors?
URI oversees the full student recruitment and interview process and matches students with mentors based on their skills and interests. URI provides year-round support, including in-person check-ins, professional development training for students, networking opportunities for mentors and fellows, and more!
What is an EMFP educational partner?
Educational partners provide in-kind contributions to the summer environmental training series curated for fellows by the EMFP team. This support may include, but is not limited to, micro-lectures on environmental science and policy topics, site visits to nature preserves, environmental education centers, stormwater infrastructure sites, state parks, research labs, or waste treatment facilities; and/or participation in panel discussions on topics like environmental justice, youth engagement, or climate adaptation strategies.