Opportunities in Bloom- April 2026

Scholarship, Grants, and Fellowship Opportunities!

Cal Poly Humboldt's online scholarship application is LIVE for the the 2026-27 school year! Access it via myHumboldt

2027 California Sea Grant State Fellowship 

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Applications are now open for the 2027 California Sea Grant State Fellowship, a competitive, one-year program offering hands-on experience in coastal and marine policy across California. Designed for graduate students and recent graduates, the fellowship places participants with government agencies, research institutions, and conservation organizations to work on real-world ocean and coastal resource issues. 

The fellowship runs for 12 months beginning between January and March 2027. Fellows receive a stipend of $62,448 (about $5,204/month), plus up to $2,500 in travel reimbursement. 

Eligible applicants must be near completion of or have recently completed a graduate degree (Master’s, PhD, or JD) at a California university in a relevant field such as environmental policy, marine science, or resource management. 

Key Dates:

• Informational webinar: May 14, 2026
• Application deadline: June 12, 2026 (5:00 PM PT)
• Finalist process and interviews: Summer–Fall 2026 ()

Applications require a CV, personal statement, two recommendation letters, and transcripts. Selected finalists are matched with host organizations through a structured interview and ranking process. ()

This long-running program (since 1987) has placed hundreds of fellows and serves as a pipeline for careers in ocean and coastal policy and management. 

For more information click here! 

Student Opportunities Engagement Hub

The Cal Poly Humboldt Engagement Hub is a one-stop online platform for the campus community to find and apply for internal funding opportunities like grants, awards, and stipends. It serves as a central repository for funding opportunities from various departments, which were previously scattered and hard to find. Accessible through the MyHumboldt portal, the Engagement Hub simplifies the process for faculty, staff, and students to discover and apply for funding.

When you enter the website, make sure to filter your search by selecting "Student Funding Opportunities."

Mark B. RHEA Scholarship 

The Mark B. Rhea Soil Science scholarship was funded by Mark B. Rhea before his passing to help support students involved in undergraduate research in soils.  Awarded to upper division or graduate student.   
This scholarship does not require a separate application. Eligible students are automatically matched based on information provided in their student record and financial aid file.

• Will you have 60 or more units earned by the end of Spring semester 2026
• Would you like to work with an ESM faculty member next academic year?

If you answered yes to these two questions, consider applying for this scholarship. Scholarships are generally $1000 per student. 

Deadline:
April 15,2026

Contact Professor Jennifer Tarlton: jennifer.tarlton@humboldt.edu

Undergraduate Student Research Award Program  2025-2026

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Who: The program is available to undergraduate students enrolled at Cal Poly Humboldt and who propose an activity on a marine- or coastal-related subject.  The student must be in good academic standing (GPA > 2.0) and work with a Cal Poly Humboldt COAST faculty advisor. Students are encouraged to submit joint applications when appropriate. A letter of recommendation from the faculty advisor is not required.

When Can I Apply: Proposals can be submitted anytime between January 15 and April 15, 2025. Upon submission we will review your proposal and make a decision within 10 working days.  Funds can be used over the summer.

How Much: Up to $500 may be requested for supplies, software, fees. Larger requests (up to $750) may be considered under certain circumstances (see below).

How to Apply: Read the FAQs below, fill out the application form, and follow the instructions for submission. Incomplete applications will not be evaluated. Direct questions to Dr. Christine Cass: cjc695@humboldt.edu   

To view the flyer click here

Wildlands Studies Spring Field Programs

For forty-six years, Wildlands Studies has offered exciting and challenging field based programs in exciting international locales. Hike across mountain meadows, ford streams and camp in the forest. Swim in warm ocean waters and examine coral reefs and sea life. Experience nature in the wild. How to Apply

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French Polynesia
Marine Ecosystems and Climate Change
15 Quarter Credits

Dates:
SPRING '26 - 4/9/26-5/22/26
SUMMER '26 - 6/23/26-8/5/26

• Explore the vibrant reef communities of Tahiti and Moorea and collect data to understand their dynamics
• Investigate how climate change is impacting these ecosystems
• Learn field survey methods to monitor wildlife and contribute to the work of local scientists
• Discover a culture linked to the ocean and how a Polynesian revival could enhance conservation

Applications Accepted on a rolling basis

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Nepal
Habitat Conservation
15 Quarter Credits

Dates:
SPRING '26 - 4/9/26-5/22/26
SPRING '27 - 4/7/27-5/20/27

• Study the world’s largest mountain ecosystem
• Discover unique and endemic wildlife in Nepal’s Chitwan Valley
• Trek ancient trails through local villages
• Connect with local peoples to understand Nepal’s rapid cultural change

Applications Accepted on a rolling basis

New Zealand
Island ecosystems
15 Quarter Credits

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Dates:
SPRING '26 - 4/9/26-5/22/26
SPRING '27 - 4/7/27-5/20/27

• Traverse both North and South islands to discover the true meaning of insular biogeography
• Examine New Zealand’s incredible array of unique flora and fauna
• Learn biogeography, endemism, evolution, invasive species, eradication and wildlife reintroduction
• Backpack the Great Walks for a remote backcountry experience

Applications Accepted on a rolling basis

                                  Volunteer Opportunities 

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Dune Ecosystem Restoration Team

Add gloves, shovels, and brush axes to human hands, and you have the strongest dune restoration tool around. You can make a difference in the ecosystem, one invasive plant removal at a time. Within months of initially removing invasive plants, volunteers witness native plants re-sprouting on their own. No experience is necessary. We will have snacks and tools to share. No need to reserve a spot, meet us at the specified locations a few minutes before 10 am. Training, camaraderie, and beautiful scenery are provided. 

DERT meets two times a month:​
Every second Saturday of the month from 10 am to 1 pm
Every third Sunday of the month from 10 am to 1 pm
View calendar for more dates 

For questions, please contact us at restoration@friendsofthedunes.org or call 707-444-1397.

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Trinidad Coastal Land Trust

Stewardship Volunteers work to protect native plant communities and preserve public access to Trinidad's astounding coastline. TCLT is dependent on, and incredibly thankful for, the hard work of volunteer stewards to restore native plant communities, maintain public trails, keep beaches clean of litter, and educate the community.

To sign up as a Stewardship Volunteer, email zoe@trinidadcoastallandtrust.org , or info@trinidadcoastallandtrust.org and check out their website here: Trinidad Coastal Land Trust
Volunteer Sign-up

Trinidad Head Work Day - Invasive Plant Removal
Third Saturday of every Month! 
Where to meet? What to bring? Have Questions?
email: elizabeth@trinidadcoastallandtrust.org

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Sequoia Park Zoo

Animal Care Volunteer  
Engage by working behind the scenes to learn more about the animals while assisting zookeepers with animal care tasks. This is a great opportunity for volunteers that are interested in a career in zookeeping and learning more about the animals here at the Zoo!

Conservation Cart Program
The Conservation Cart Program (CCP) is a group of dedicated volunteers supported by the Sequoia Park Zoo Education Department and the City of Eureka. We share the wonders of wildlife and wild places with our visitors and inspire stewardship of the natural world.

Redwood Skywalk Steward
Redwood Sky Walk Stewards is an exclusive club of dedicated volunteers supported by the Sequoia Park Zoo Education Department and the City of Eureka. We share the wonders of wildlife and wild places with our visitors and inspire stewardship of the natural world. Redwood Sky Walk Stewards create connections between our guests and redwoods, while ensuring that all visitors have a safe and meaningful experience on the Redwood Sky Walk. 

Learn more on getting involved 
 

Gardening at Potawot Community Food Garden! 

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Fridays from 1:15 pm to 2:30 pm 

Next Session: April 24th, 2026 

To get involed!