Glassen Scholars

The Glassen Scholars Program was established in 2014 through generous support from the Hal and Jean Glassen Memorial Foundation. MSU undergraduate students are placed into a paid 12-week summer internship with a natural resource-related agency or organization in the Greater Lansing area while concurrently enrolled in ANR 491 (Natural Resources, Conservation and Environmental Sustainability in Michigan, 3 credits). In addition to a weekly evening class, students participate in educational field trips throughout the summer and a capstone 4-day trip to Michigan's Upper Peninsula in early August. The goal of this program is to provide students with exposure to and experience in natural resources policy and conservation in Michigan.

Eligibility and Application Process

Currently enrolled MSU undergraduate students from any major are eligible to apply for this program. This program is open to all in accordance with MSU’s Anti-Discrimination Policy.
Completing the application is the first step in the selection process.
Applications are reviewed to identify an initial pool of candidates for an informal interview in late January with the Program Director, designed to assess program readiness and alignment with available internship opportunities.
Applicants selected to move forward in the process participate in more in-depth, formal interviews in February with one or more internship sponsors (placement not guaranteed at this stage).
Final matches will be confirmed no later than March 25, 2026.
There are typically 14-16 internship positions available annually.

Applications are OPEN for the Summer 2026 Glassen Scholars Program through Thursday, January 15, 2026.

Apply to the Glassen Scholars Program

Program Benefits

Glassen Scholars Program alumni are making a difference locally, nationally, and internationally! Since 2014, over 100 Glassen Scholars have completed the summer program. Alumni are pursuing advanced degrees and/or working with natural resource and conservation-related agencies including Michigan DNR, MDARD, USDA, Ohio Division of Wildlife, Sierra Club, Nature Conservancy, and AmeriCorps.

Internship Experience

Glassen Scholars complete a 12-week paid internship with a government or non-government organization based in the greater Lansing area that has some focus on natural resource policy, conservation, and environmental sustainability. Students work 29-40 hours per week depending on their internship placement.

Internship sponsors have included local/regional, state, and federal partners. All Interns earn approximately $2,000 per month. Students are responsible for housing and transportation to and from their internship location,

Recent internship sponsors have included:

Meridian Township Parks & Recreation
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD)
Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR)
Michigan League of Conservation Voters
Michigan Nature Association
Michigan United Conservation Clubs
Office of Senator John Cherry
National Wildlife Federation
National Wild Turkey Federation
Potter Park Zoo
US Fish & Wildlife Service
USGS Michigan Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit

This is not an exhaustive list and does not reflect all opportunities potentially available. New sponsors come on board regularly! If you are interested in becoming an internship sponsor, please reach out to Dr. Rose Stewart (stewa684@msu.edu).

Glassen Scholars Course

All participating Glassen scholars must enroll in ANR 491 (Natural Resources, Conservation and Environmental Sustainability in Michigan, 3 cr.) during summer semester.

The course meets one weekday evening per week from mid-May to late July. The course is taught by Dr. Rose Stewart and includes lectures, guest speakers, and discussion. In addition to weekly class, students participate in natural resource-related field trips throughout the summer and a 4-day tour of Michigan's Upper Peninsula in early August. These experiential learning activities are designed to complement the course curriculum, providing on-the-ground experience with natural resource and conservation-related programs and an opportunity to make professional connections. Transportation, lodging, and some meals during these field trips are covered by the Glassen Scholars Program.

For questions about the program or the application process, contact the Glassen Scholars Program Director, Dr. Rose Stewart (stewa684@msu.edu).