Glassen and Demmer Scholars

The Glassen and Demmer scholars programs offer upper-level undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to learn about and participate in policy making related to natural resources and conservation in Michigan or Washington, D.C.

These programs are open to Michigan State University students with any major. The programs are coordinated by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Hal and Jean Glassen Scholars Program

The Hal and Jean Glassen Scholars Program offers students exposure to policy making in Michigan. Students in the Glassen program also have real-world experience while working as full-time paid interns at state and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations or businesses that focus on complex natural resource issues in Michigan.

For questions about the program or application process, contact the Glassen Program Director Rose Stewart at stewa684@msu.edu.

A link to the Summer 2026 program application will be available here by early October 2025. Applications are typically due by mid-January.

Find out more about the Glassen Scholars Program.

William A. Demmer Scholars Program

Students in the William A. Demmer Scholars Program are paid interns at federal agencies or non-governmental organizations in Washington, D.C., that focus on natural resources. Students also take a senior-level class in natural resources policy that meets one night a week and all day Saturday.

The program is led by Mark Rey, executive in residence in the MSU Center for Systems Integration and Sustainability in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.

Applications are OPEN for the Summer 2026 Demmer Scholars Program through Oct. 31, 2025. The Michigan State University informational meeting will be on Nov. 6, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the Natural Resources Building. All applicants are encouraged to attend. Interviews will take place November 7 - 8.

Mississippi State University, University of Montana and SUNY-Syracuse students, please follow the deadlines outlined in the communication sent by your Demmer Scholars Program Coordinator.

Apply to the Demmer Scholars Program

Find out more about the Demmer Scholars Program.