The Bren Environmental Leadership (BEL) program offers paid summer fellowships for pairs of undergraduate and graduate students (Bren MESM) to work on environmental science projects. The program includes a wide range of projects each year, including both academic environmental science research and internships with Bren-UCSB partner organizations. The mission of this program is to increase the number of first-generation, low-income, and/or underrepresented students working towards careers in the environmental field and natural sciences. The 10-week intensive summer program provides fellowship support, networking, and training opportunities for BEL Fellows through connection with learning communities, career skills workshops, and presentation opportunities.
Program Details
- Undergraduate students receive direct support from a Bren graduate student mentor, and graduate students gain valuable mentoring and project management experience
- Summer program includes weekly professional development workshops and community building events during summer quarter
- Project teams prepare short, flash-talk style presentations to the BEL community at the end of the summer and are invited to participate in the Mantell Symposium in Environmental Justice and Conservation Innovation in Fall
Notify Me When 2026 Applications Open
Summer 2025 Opportunities
The BEL application pool is now closed for Summer 2025
Applications should include:
- A brief statement (2-3 paragraphs) describing your interest in this project and how your experience and qualifications make you a good fit. We welcome insights into how your experiences or perspectives might shape your contribution to the BEL community.
- A resume or CV, including any relevant coursework and previous experience.
You can apply directly to the projects that interest you. Applicants must be full-time continuing UCSB undergraduate students with at least 2 quarters remaining before graduation at the time of application. The BEL program is open to students from all majors and backgrounds. Check back here for available positions, or keep an eye out on Handshake and campus listservs.
What past BEL Fellows are saying:
"From technical issues to unforeseen challenges, this summer I encountered a series of obstacles that tested my resilience and adaptability. As the internship progressed, I learned to overcome these hurdles and gained tremendous experience. This program has greatly helped with building my skills needed for graduate school and a future career in research!”
Lucas Lowe, BEL 2023
“I have learned a lot about the research process, made connections in my field, and learned about many different opportunities that I could take part in. I feel as though the direction of my life has become more clear.”
Brynn Campos, BEL 2023
Contact:
For questions from students or organizations interested in joining the program, please contact gstephenson@ucsb.edu.