Glassen Scholars

The Glassen Scholars Program was established in 2014 through generous support from the Hal and Jean Glassen Memorial Foundation. Selected students are placed into a 12-week paid 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 natural resource-related field trips on select weekends and a tour of 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 Information

  • MSU Undergraduate students are eligible to apply for this program. 
  • Selected students are required to enroll in ANR 491 (3 cr.) during summer semester. 
  • There are typically 14-16 internship positions available annually.

Apply to the Glassen Scholars Program

The application for Summer 2025 is OPEN. Applications must be received by Sunday, January 19, 2025. 

Program Benefits

Glassen Scholars Program alumni are making a difference locally, nationally, and internationally! Since 2024, nearly 100 Glassen Scholars have participated in the summer program. Alumni are:

  • Employed either full-time, as a seasonal hire, or connected in some capacity with their original partner organizations,
  • Pursuing related master's or law degrees based on work in the program, 
  • Working with natural resource and conservation-related agencies including Michigan DNR, MDARD, Ohio Division of Wildlife, Sierra Club, Nature Conservancy, AmeriCorps, and Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

Internship Experience

All 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. Most students work 30-40 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 their own transportation to and from their internship location and weekly class at MSU.

Recent internship sponsors have included:

  • Ducks Unlimited
  • 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 Wild Turkey Federation
  • Potter Park Zoo
  • US Fish & Wildlife Service

This is not an exhaustive list and does not reflect all opportunities available. New sponsors come on board regularly!

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 mid-August. 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 on select weekends and a 3-4 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). 

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