PEC’s Summer Fellowship Program is much more than an internship. This year’s program brought together 12 fellows — from Texas to Florida to Ohio to New Hampshire — virtually for six weeks and here in the Virginia Piedmont for two weeks of on-the-ground learning and exploration.

Boasting 116 alumni since its inception, the seven-week Fellowship Program has helped future environmental leaders gain hands-on experience in a unique mix of topics such as land conservation, land use, sustainable agriculture, energy policy, habitat stewardship, historic preservation, transportation planning and geographic information systems (GIS) with experienced professionals.

We receive applicants from all over the country. Through a selective process, twelve college students are chosen to participate in the summer Program.

PEC’s Fellowship Program, which just finished its 7th year, gives college and graduate students a comprehensive look at the work PEC does in this region. Through classroom discussions, field trips, hands-on activities, and a final project—participants gain practical knowledge and skills to transition into careers in conservation, urban planning, agriculture, historic preservation, public policy, and other related fields. PEC’s staff obviously thinks the Fellowship is a great program, but don’t take our word for it!