Student Diversity Scholar Program 

The 2024 application period is now closed. Each student in the 2024 cohort will have opportunities for professional development and training, receive a complimentary year of SAF membership, and be awarded a full scholarship to the 2024 SAF National Convention in Loveland, Colorado.

About the Program

The SAF Student Diversity Scholar program aims to empower students from underrepresented groups in forestry and natural resources to help them navigate, grow, and thrive in the profession. Through 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, awardees will receive a full scholarship to the SAF National Convention.

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.

Scholars will also receive one complimentary year of SAF membership. 

Criteria

• Enrolled in an undergraduate (associate or bachelor’s) or graduate (masters or PhD) forestry or related natural resources program at a US institution.
• Interested in encouraging and promoting a culture of inclusion within the profession.
• Applicants from underrepresented groups will be given priority.
• Current SAF members and nonmembers are welcome to apply.

Commitments

• Participate in four meetings/events with the full cohort (including one at the SAF National Convention).
• Attend the SAF National Convention and participate in designated activities. • Participate in an e-mentoring program and meet with your mentor at least four times (outside of the designated meetings/events) throughout the year.
• Give back and engage with SAF in one or more of the following ways:
(1) Share your experience with other students through a presentation that will reach future applicants or help recruit new members.
(2) Write or contribute to an article about your experience for The Forestry Source and/or an SAF local unit newsletter and/or other publication.
(3) Join the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Working Group and another subject area of your interest
(4) Engage with your respective SAF local unit
(5) Scholar-identified opportunities

How to Apply

• To be considered as a 2024 scholar, you must complete the application linked below by February 15 at 11:59 PM HST.
• Note, a letter of recommendation is not required this year. We apologize for any confusion based on prior messages.
• If you have questions, please contact Tony Mazza at [email protected].