Opportunities in Bloom- December 2025

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

DOE Marine Energy Fellowship: Postgraduate Track, Summer Cohort

Deadline December 12, 2025 @ 5PM ETZ

Marine Energy Fellowship applications are reviewed (and offers are made) two times per year:

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Summer Cohort | Start Dates: May-July. Application Deadline: December 12, 2025 at 5:00pm ET. 
Fall Cohort | Start Dates: August-October: Application Deadline: March 27, 2026 at 5:00pm ET.

What will I be doing?

As a participant with the Marine Energy Fellowship: Postgraduate Track, you will advance your experience and skills utilizing the expertise, resources, and capabilities available at DOE laboratories, industry, federal agencies, NGOs, or other approved facilities to accomplish your research goals, all while networking with top scientists in the field. You will enhance your education and training in marine energy, increase your marketability in these disciplines, gain access to top scientists and state-of-the-art equipment, and gain insight into research and career opportunities. You will have the opportunity to collaborate and learn from experts researching, developing, and testing emerging technologies in marine energy and/or blue economy.

You will conduct research at a host facility. Because you are responsible for finding a host facility and securing a mentor, you will be embedded in a facility whose research aligns with your research goals and who can provide the resources you need for your research. Your mentor may also be a resource for your next career step!

Who is an ideal candidate?

Highly motivated recent graduates who have completed a degree program in a topic applicable to marine energy, including but not limited to innovative technologies for domestic power generation from marine energy technologies.
Applicants who are able to independently secure a hosting facility and mentor to host them for the appointment; virtually, hybrid, or in-person.
Where will I be?

You will identify the host facility where you want to conduct your research and a potential mentor currently conducting or directing research, development, and/or testing in a marine energy topic.

The appointment period for this fellowship is 12 months at the identified hosting facility, virtually, hybrid, or in-person. For a list of potential host facilities, please visit https://orise.orau.gov/marine-energy-research-program/applicants/host-f…. Applicants are not limited to this list.

Program Provisions

You will receive a competitive monthly stipend ($5,000 for post-bachelor's, $5,833 for post-master's, and $6,667 for postdocs), health insurance supplement, travel and education allowance up to $10,000, and limited tuition reimbursement. An inbound-outbound transportation allowance up to $4,000 may be provided for eligible candidates temporarily relocating and/or traveling to the hosting facility.

Nature of Appointment

The participant will not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DOE, or any other office or agency.  Instead, the participant will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment.

For more information and to apply, click here. 

For questions or issues uploading documentation, please send an email to DOE-RPP@orise.orau.gov and list DOE-EERE-RPP-2025-Summer-MEF-Postgrad in the subject line of your email.

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."

The Buckeye Scholarship Program

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Applications Due: January 15, 2026

The Buckeye is pleased to announce the continuation of the scholarship program and will offer two $1,500 scholarships and two $1000 scholarships Recipients will be notified in February 2026. Scholarships will be awarded based on the applicant’s ability to meet the qualifications listed below. Student involvement in extra-curricular activities, community service, and agriculture will also be taken into consideration.

Scholarship applications are available below and must be emailed to hannah@thebuckeye.org by 5:00 PM on January 15, 2026.

The Buckeye is a non-profit organization consisting of ranchers, farmers, timberland owners, and resource professionals in Northwestern California. Our mission is to promote stewardship of working landscapes through shared experience, hands-on education, and collaboration” with the vision that "Working lands and Open spaces in Northwestern CA are viable and conserved in perpetuity for future generations”.

Questions regarding the scholarship or application may be sent to hannah@thebuckeye.org.

Please review the Scholarship Application below for a list of qualifications and requirements.

For more information and to apply, visit the Buckeye Website

Alistair & Judith McCrone Graduate Fellowship

Recognizing Outstanding First-Year Graduate Student Achievement

Deadline: Feb 26, 2026 @ 11:59pm 

Award Notifications: April 15, 2026

Award Reception: Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 4–6 p.m. (recipient must be able to attend in person and give a short presentation)

Established in 2001, this fellowship honors Dr. and Mrs. McCrone and their legacy of student support. The award recognizes one exceptional first-year graduate student at Cal Poly Humboldt acknowledging their potential, and encouraging their continued achievement in their graduate program.

Submission information: Completed nominations must be submitted electronically by the graduate coordinator through our online portal which can be accessed through Engagement Hub

$3,000 tuition award applied for Academic Year 2026–2027.

Nominees must:
● Be in their first year of a Cal Poly Humboldt graduate program (less than one academic year
completed)
● Be enrolled full time (minimum 9 units/semester)
● Hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
● Be the sole nominee from their graduate degree program (submitted by program coordinator)

For more information, Click Here.

🔹 Questions? 

Erika Wright – Research Development Lead 📧 Erika.Wright@humboldt.edu | ☎️ 707-826-5166

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CSU BIOTECH Presidents’ Commission Research Scholars Program

Undergraduate Summer Research • Summer 2026

Deadline: Monday, February 9, 2026 • 5:00 PM

CSUBIOTECH will support up to 11 CSU undergraduates for a first-time biotechnology research experience.
Students receive a $6,000 scholarship, and faculty mentors receive $2,000 to support their research.

Eligibility:
Open to CSU first- and second-year undergraduates and first-year transfer students with no prior research experience.

How to Apply:
Faculty mentors submit complete proposals (Word or PDF) via CSUBIOTECH’s InfoReady system after campus routing through the Sponsored Programs Foundation.

Learn more & apply: [CSUBIOTECH Grants & Awards page]

Questions?
Email CSUBIOTECH at csubiotech@sdsu.edu or Christine Montgomery at rmontgomery@sdsu.edu

Click here for more information

UCSB Sea Turtle Field Course and Expedition Group

2 WEEK PROGRAM  |  COSTA RICA  |  SUMMER 2026

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Check out our WEBSITE and APPLY

Created by a graduate and lecturer from UC Santa Bárbara - Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, BIOMA has provided to over two thousand university students worldwide with a two-week intensive academic & high quality sea turtle experiential learning and hands-on research experience. Our participants collaborate side by side with experts to learn about sea turtle biology, ecology and management while doing impactful on-site conservation work and living in a local community.

Student teams (about 18 like-minded students per group), will build skills of real world application, boost their resume and knowledge while discovering incredible landscapes at Costa Rica’s Pacific sunshine coast.

Join us at Bioma and Apply to not only learn about sea turtles and science. It's about connecting people and creating an unbreakable bond between science and humanities.

Program Highlights:

• University student tailored, two-week hands-on research and conservation program with endangered sea turtles with experts
• Some students can gain academic credit (4 units) through internship or independent studies (depending on the University)
• Travel to one of the most bio-diverse, safest and happiest countries in the world, Costa Rica
• Become part of a wonderful local coastal community in a fully immersive program
• Make friends and build connections with other like-minded students
• Boost your resume with an official Certificate from the Costa Rica Ministry of Environment
• Apply what you learned in class into the field and connect with people & nature.
• Over 15 years of experience and more than two thousand students.

Come Join us! Limited spaces available. 

Switzer Environmental Fellowships

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Apply for the 2026 Switzer Environmental Fellowship!
The Switzer Foundation supports graduate students in New England and California who show exceptional leadership and a strong commitment to environmental change. Fellows receive a $17,000 award, leadership training retreats, career support, and join a network of 700+ environmental leaders worldwide. Those from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply! 

An info session and essay workshop for Cal Poly Humboldt students will be held Oct. 16, 5–6:30 p.m. in Harry Griffith Hall (pre-registration encouraged).
Applications are due Jan. 5, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST.

 For more information on the Switzer Fellowship 

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

Data Research Fellow

The Office of Data Development and Standards (ODDS) designs, develops, and leads programs that capture essential information on U.S. transportation systems to inform decision-making. Working collaboratively across USDOT and with external partners, ODDS explores innovative approaches to data collection, analysis, visualization, and survey design to improve and launch new data development initiatives.

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Location:
Washington D.C.

Eligibility:

• LPR or U.S. Citizen.
• Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree
  in one of the relevant fields.
• Postgraduates must have earned their degree
  no later than 5 years from the appointment
  start date.
• Be at least 18 years of age.
  
  Application Deadline:
• Applications reviewed on a rolling basis! 

Zintellect

                                  Volunteer Opportunities 

Alaska Whale Foundation

Join us in 2026! The Alaska Whale Foundation is seeking five interns to participate in our gray whale research project in Sitka, Alaska. Click the link in our bio to learn more and apply.
Overview:  

Alaska Whale Foundation (AWF) is seeking five interns to participate in our gray whale research project in Sitka, Alaska. Successful applicants will assist in collecting and analyzing data for projects examining gray whale abundance, distribution, health, foraging ecology, and bioenergetics.

Responsibilities:  

Interns will work in teams  and will split their time between on-the-water activities and data processing. Field teams live in a cooperative environment, so interns will also be responsible for cooking, cleaning and basic equipment maintenance. Interns are asked to supply their own foul-weather gear (rain gear, boots, etc.) appropriate for work in the Alaskan marine environment. 

Compensation:  

In return for participation, AWF will provide room and board, Mustang-style float coats and pants and additional safety gear. AWF will also provide travel reimbursements (up to $1000) and a $500 honorarium for US residents. Interns will gain tangible data collection and processing skills, and AWF can assist students who wish to receive credit from their academic institutions for this internship.

Schedule:  

Dates for our 2026 Sitka gray whale field season are March 15 - May 14, although the start and end dates are subject to minor changes. Interns are expected to be present for the full two month commitment.

Qualifications:  

All applicants will be considered; however, preference will be given to individuals that are pursuing or have recently been awarded a BS/BA degree or higher in biology, environmental science, or similar field, and who have basic first aid training. Additionally, the following will be viewed favorably: 

• Desire to pursue a career in marine sciences
• Experience operating small boats, especially in marine waters
• Experience working in remote field settings
• An ability to work well with colleagues in both research and cooperative living situations

How to Apply: 

Interested individuals should apply using the form below.  You will need to include a link (i.e., in Google Drive or similar) to a CV, brief cover letter (no more than 500 words), and contact information for two references in a single PDF file.  

Priority will be given to US-based applicants. Alaska-based applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications should be submitted no later than Tuesday, December 31, 2025 @ 11:59 pm PST. Qualified candidates will be contacted within two weeks to set up interviews, and final decisions will be made no later than January 31, 2026. Further announcements - including notification that positions have been filled - will be posted on Alaska Whale Foundation’s social media pages.

For more information contact:  liahlm@hawaii.edu
https://www.alaskawhalefoundation.org/call-for-volunteers

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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