Native Student Professional Development

Are you an Indigenous student enrolled in a wildlife program?

Check out our Native Student Professional Development Program!

The 2025 Native Student Professional Development Program is now open! Applications are due by August 1, 2025. This year’s participants will travel to TWS’ Annual Conference in Edmonton, Alberta to engage in one of the largest gatherings of wildlife professionals in North America. Check out the information for this year’s class below and consider applying in 2025!

2025 Program Announcement

Up to 10 individuals will be selected to attend this year’s conference as part of the program, which includes:

  • Complimentary registration
  • Travel grants
  • Mentorship at the conference
  • One-year memberships in TWS & the Native Peoples’ Wildlife Management Working Group (NPWMWG)
  • Exclusive educational sessions for program participants
  • A scholarship to Global Wildlife Resource’s online course, The Foundations of Wildlife Chemical Capture
  • Access to all conference networking events and more…

Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following eligibility standards:

  • Currently enrolled (or be a graduating senior) in an undergraduate or graduate program from an accredited institution of higher education in the United States.
  • Identify as a member of a Native American, First Nations, Métis, Inuit, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander tribe or community, and provide proof of tribal affiliation or descendancy from a tribally enrolled parent or grandparent.
  • Demonstrate an interest and commitment to conserving natural resources, working with Native communities, and elevating ITEK in federal scientific and policy processes.
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Preference will be given to students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • Be fluent in English and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Knowledge of a Native language or culture is an asset, but not required.
  • Uphold and conduct their activities in accordance with the Code of Ethics and Standards for Professional Conduct as prescribed by The Wildlife Society.

Students within six months of graduation are eligible. Qualified applicants will be evaluated by a panel consisting of the Chair of the NPWMWG, two other NPWMWG members, a TWS staff member, and representatives from other program partners.

Application

Apply here

Applications must include:

  • Name, address, email, phone number, tribal affiliation, name of college or university
  • Current level of study (undergraduate or graduate) and field of study
  • Most recent official transcripts
  • Documentation of tribal affiliation or descendancy. For purposes of NSPD, this may include:
    • Tribal Identification, Enrollment Card, Certificate of Degree of Indian or Alaska Native Blood, or letter from a Tribal official or Native Hawaiian Organization indicating your belonging to a state or federally-recognized tribe or community.
    • Proof of a parent or grandparent’s enrollment in a tribe (Eligibility is not based on blood quantum or DNA test, and TWS will not accept or request this information as proof of eligibility).
  • Essay (500-750 words) explaining why you would like to participate and how this program might benefit your career development. You may also address how your personal and cultural experiences and skills contribute to the wildlife profession. Mention relevant extracurricular activities, societies, honors, or awards

Deadline

The deadline will be announced soon.

Program Reports

Native Student Professional Development Program – Final Report 2024

Native Student Professional Development Program – Final Report 2019
Native Student Professional Development Program – Final Report 2018
Native Student Professional Development Program – Final Report 2017
Native Student Professional Development Program – Final Report 2016
Native Student Professional Development Program – Final Report 2015
Native Student Professional Development Program – Final Report 2014

List of supporters
Supporters of the 2025 Native Student Professional Development Program include the U.S. Forest Service, Alberta Chapter of The Wildlife Society, and the Edmonton Heritage Council.

Please contact lruotolo@wildlife.org to discuss how you can support this program now and into the future.