Research Opportunities

Environmental Studies Summer Experience Fellowships (ESSE) are intended to support continuing Reed students pursuing environmentally-themed summer opportunities. These opportunities might include internships at nonprofit agencies, field research internships, trainings, or other on-campus projects. Award amount is $6,600 stipend for ~10 weeks engagement, with up to $1,000 additional funds for budgeted travel and supplies.

Proposals will be judged on their environmental focus and relevance to your field of study or professional goals. Opportunities that expand beyond the Reed curriculum will be given priority, but applicants must justify the relevance of the experience to their academic program. Faculty recommendation and the appropriateness of the sponsoring institution will also be considered.

All applicants are strongly encouraged to consult with members of the Environmental Studies committee in preparing the application. One confidential letter of support (e-mailed directly to Rachel Sanchez) from a Reed faculty or staff member who can speak to your qualifications and your proposed project.

1. A resume describing your relevant work, volunteer, and course experiences
2. Project description (1,000-word limit) detailing the internship or research experience you plan to undertake. Include a description of your activities and how the opportunity will benefit your educational progress. What will you bring back to Reed from the experience? How does the project fit into your broader environmental training and build off your prior experiences? What are the desired outcomes of the experience, and how do they relate to your career goals?
3. A letter of support from the sponsoring organization or faculty member (e-mailed directly to Rachel Sanchez). The letter should indicate support for the project as described in your proposal.
4. Detailed budget of any expenses above the $6,600 stipend (travel and equipment/supplies) needed to complete your project, up to $1,000. Any non-consumable equipment or supplies will be returned to the college at completion of the project. On your budget page, if applicable, please also list other funding sources you will apply for or use, including any pay you will receive from your sponsoring organization. The $1,000 travel/supplies supplement is by no means automatic; you must include text justifying any additional expenses that you will require; applications lacking a budget will be considered requests for stipend support only.

In the Fall semester following your Fellowship, you will be expected to present the outcome of your project to the Reed community.

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Environmental Studies committee will evaluate the applications shortly after the application deadline.

Contact the ES committee with any questions.

The Mason Student Opportunity Fellowship was created with the goal of supporting research work related to the Reed canyon. Research proposals for broader environmental research will be considered if no canyon-related proposals are submitted.

Application deadlines for Spring 2027 will be announced in the winter.

*Full-time sophomores and juniors only

The Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation awards approximately 65 scholarships each year to undergraduate students who intend to pursue careers related to the environment and conservation as well as to Native American and Alaska Native undergraduate students who intend to pursue careers in health care or tribal policy.

Udall Scholars receive access to the Udall Alumni Network and receive up to $7,500 for eligible academic expenses (tuition, fees, books, and room and board). Recipients are eligible for one year of support. Applicants can only apply in one category: environment, tribal public policy, or Native health care.

More information and apply