Conservation Leadership Training Program
Students from Mississippi State University and Michigan State University participate in this program and are selected through a competitive process. Each participant completes a 12-week internship in Washington, D.C. to learn about the development and implementation of natural resource policies. While enrolled in the program, students are placed in paid, natural resource policy internships with the federal government, non-profit organizations, and trade associations.
Program Success
As many as 30 students participate each year. To date, 367 students from the two universities have participated. So far, 91 interns who have finished their academic studies have relocated to Washington to start careers in full-time, professional positions.
Program Content
Students attend classes, meet with policy-makers and elected officials, and take field trips in and around Washington. Faculty from Mississippi State and Michigan State also participate.
The course reviews and evaluates how each branch of the federal government, as well as non-government entities (including the media), affect the development and implementation of natural resource policies.
Program Founders
The program began in 2009 at Michigan State under the leadership of Mark Rey, former undersecretary for natural resources and agriculture under President George W. Bush. Rey is now Michigan State’s William A. Demmer Endowed Scholar in Natural Resource Enterprise and Conservation Leadership.
Mississippi State students joined the program in 2010. Demmer, a Michigan businessman and former president of the Boone and Crockett Club, founded the leadership program.
Program Sponsors & Cooperating Agencies
The program has a long list of sponsors, cooperating agencies, and organizations, including federal agencies, the National Science Foundation, The White House, congressional committees, members of Congress, non-profit organizations, trade organizations, government associations, consulting firms, and public relations firms.
