Glassen Scholars Program

The Glassen Scholars Program places MSU undergraduate students in a paid 12-week summer internship with a natural resource or environmental organization in the Greater Lansing area, while enrolled in ANR 491 (Natural Resources, Conservation and Environmental Sustainability in Michigan, 3 credits).

In addition to a weekly evening seminar featuring guest speakers and professionals from across the field, students engage in educational field trips throughout the summer, culminating in a four-day capstone study away in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula at the conclusion of the internship.

The program is designed to provide students with exposure to and applied experience in natural resources policy, conservation, and environmental sustainability across Michigan.

The Glassen Scholars Program was established in 2014 through generous support from the Hal and Jean Glassen Memorial Foundation.

Eligibility and Application Process

Currently enrolled MSU undergraduate students from any major are eligible to apply. This program is open to all in accordance with MSU’s Anti-Discrimination Policy.
The application cycle opens during fall semester, and online applications are due by mid-January. Applications require a resume, cover letter, and a list of three references.
Applications are reviewed to identify an initial pool of candidates to participate in an interview in late January with the Program Director. These initial interviews are designed to assess program readiness and alignment with available internship opportunities.
Applicants selected to move forward participate in more in-depth interviews in February with one or more internship sponsors (placement is not guaranteed at this stage).
Final matches are confirmed by mid-March. There are typically 12-16 internship positions available annually.

Applications are CLOSED for the Summer 2026 Glassen Scholars Program. The application cycle for summer 2027 will open in fall 2026.

Program Benefits

Glassen Scholars Program alumni are making a difference locally, nationally, and internationally! Since 2014, over 130 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 focuses on natural resource policy, conservation, and/or environmental sustainability. Students are hired directly by the organization and work 29-40 hours per week depending on their internship placement.

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

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)
- Hunters Feeding Michigan Program
- Marketing & Outreach Division
- Parks & Recreation Division
- Wildlife Division
Michigan Invasive Species Program
Michigan League of Conservation Voters
Michigan Natural Features Inventory
Michigan United Conservation Clubs
Office of Senator John Cherry
National Wild Turkey Federation
Potter Park Zoological Society
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 educational field trips throughout the summer and a four-day tour of Michigan's Upper Peninsula in early August. These experiential learning activities are designed to complement the internship, providing on-the-ground experience with natural resource and conservation-related programs and an opportunity to make professional connections. Transportation, lodging, and most meals during these field trips are covered by the Glassen Scholars Program.

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