Native Student Professional Development Program accepting applications

The Native Peoples’ Wildlife Management Working Group of The Wildlife Society is accepting applications from Native American students seeking free travel and registration for The Wildlife Society’s Annual Conference in Baltimore, Maryland, from Oct. 19-23.

Now in its 17^th year, the Native Student Professional Development Program also provides mentorship at the conference, one-year membership in TWS and more.

“The knowledge, skills and experiences gained through the program have undeniably laid a foundation for my future career endeavors,” said Deandra Jones, a member of the Navajo Nation who was part of the program. “Actively participating in the program has been instrumental in shaping my professional trajectory, allowing me to engage with various facets of research and academia.”

The deadline to apply for this year’s program is Aug.18. Candidates must be members of a Native American, First Nations or Indigenous Tribe, or identify as Native Alaskan, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in a relevant academic discipline.

“There’s something really special and inspiring about being part of an epic group of native/indigenous wildlifers,” said Cameron Macias, a member of the Lower Elwha Tribe and part of the student program. “Everyone in my [Native Student Professional Development Program] cohort is doing really amazing work. In a field where I often feel like a minority, especially in grad school, it’s encouraging to be surrounded by students and professionals with similar cultural backgrounds and research interests as me.””

The Native Peoples’ Wildlife Management Working Group organizes the program with support from TWS, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service.

Visit https://wildlife.org/npwmwg/professional-development-program/ for information on how to apply and more program details.

This program is generously funded by TWS partners USGS and USFWS. We thank them for their contributions to make this program a success each year.