Glassen Scholars

The Hal and Jean Glassen Scholars Program started in 2014, and each year between 15-20 students intern at a number of prestigious Michigan agencies and groups. The goal of the program is to provide students with exposure to and experience in Michigan policy making related to natural resources and conservation.

Applications are currently OPEN. The deadline to submit an application is Sunday January 21, 2024.

Apply by January 21, 2024 for the Summer 2024 Glassen Program!


Program Details

Glassen Scholar Program alumni are making a difference locally, nationally and internationally.

Since its inaugural program, nearly 100 Glassen Scholars have participated in the summer program.

Alumni are:

  • Employed either full-time, as seasonal hires or are connected in some capacity with their original partner organizations (40%)
  • Pursued related undergraduate, master's or law degrees based on work in the program
  • Volunteer or work with conservation-related NGOs such as Land Policy Institute, Sierra Club and AmeriCorps

Glassen Scholars Course

Upper level undergraduates and graduate students are eligible to apply to the program. All participating Glassen scholars must enroll in the ANR 491 Professional Internship on Ag and Natural Resources course during the summer.

The course is taught by Jim Schneider through lecture and discussion sessions, augmented by weekend field trips designed to give students on-the-ground visits and experience with natural resources and conservation-related programs and an opportunity to make professional connections.

Internships & Partners

Glassen Scholars also complete a 12-week, 40-hour per week paid internship with a government or non-government organization that is involved in natural resource issues in Michigan over the summer.

Internships through partner organizations are in the Greater Lansing area and potentially include Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor. Interns will earn approximately $2,000 per month depending on the internship. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from internships and class.

Local and regional partners:

  • Boone & Crockett MSU Extension
  • Critter Control of Greater Lansing
  • Michigan Sea Grant (MSU and University of Michigan partnership)
  • Potter Park Zoo

State partners:

  • Michigan Commodity Groups
  • Michigan Council of Foundations
  • Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
  • Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)
  • Michigan Department of Natural Resources
  • Michigan Farm Bureau
  • Michigan League of Conservation Voters
  • Michigan United Conservation Clubs

National partners:

  • Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation
  • Ducks Unlimited
  • Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus
  • The Nature Conservancy
  • National Wildlife Federation
  • National Wild Turkey Federation
  • Pheasants Forever
  • The Ruffed Grouse Society
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
  • U.S. Forest Service

For questions about the program or application process, contact the Glassen Program Director Jim Schneider at schne181@msu.edu