About the Program
The SAF Future Forest Scholars program aims to empower students who are part of underrepresented groups in forestry and natural resources to help them navigate, grow, and thrive in the profession. Through virtual and in-person engagement opportunities throughout the year, each cohort of scholars will develop leadership and networking skills and create community among each other and the broader SAF network. In addition, 2026 scholars receive a full year of SAF membership and a scholarship to attend the SAF National Convention, October 6-9, 2026 in Tacoma Washington.
To offer further support and guidance, each student will be paired with a mentor based on their career interests and goals. Scholars and mentors will work together throughout the year, but the hope is for these connections to extend beyond the year to help scholars continue to grow and learn. Past scholars have discovered employment opportunities and funding for graduate education through their mentors and their contacts.
Mentors aid the success and experience of students while offering professional advancement and skills for the mentors themselves. In addition, mentors could be eligible to receive 1 Category 3 CFE for the year-long program (see the SAF Certification Handbook for more details).
Scholars
Criteria
- Students actively enrolled in an undergraduate (associate or bachelor’s) or graduate (masters or PhD) forestry or related natural resources program at a US institution.
- Students interested in encouraging and promoting a culture of inclusion within the profession.
- Students who are a part of underrepresented groups in forestry and natural resources.
- Current SAF members and nonmembers are welcome to apply.
Commitments
- Participate in three virtual meetings throughout the year, and one in person at the SAF National Convention.
- Attend the SAF National Convention in person and participate in designated activities.
- Participate in an e-mentoring program and meet with your mentor at least two times outside of the designated meetings throughout the year.
- Give back and engage with SAF in one or more of the following ways:
- Share your experience with other students through a presentation that will reach future applicants or help recruit new members.
- Write or contribute to an article about your experience for The Forestry Source and/or an SAF local unit newsletter and/or other publication.
- Join the Cultural and Community Engagement Community of Interest and another subject area of your interest.
- Engage with your respective SAF local unit.
- Scholar-identified opportunities.
Mentors
Criteria
- Current SAF members or anyone in forestry and natural resources who is interested in becoming an SAF member.
- Professionals who are willing to share their experience, provide guidance, advice, feedback, and support to our rising professionals.
- Mentor attendance at the 2026 SAF National Convention taking place in Tacoma, Washington October 6-9 is strongly encouraged to enrich the experience.
- Mentors of all ages and experience levels are welcome to apply.
Commitments
- Participate in three virtual meetings throughout the year, and one in person at the SAF National Convention (as able).
- Participate in an e-mentoring program and meet with your scholar at least two times outside of the designated meetings throughout the year.