The Tropical Resources Institute (TRI) is pleased to announce an outstanding fellowship for international students – the Andrew Sabin International Environmental Fellowship – that will provide up to $35,000 in support for qualifying students.

The Andrew Sabin Family Foundation has generously provided funding for six fellowships for international Masters students entering F&ES in academic year 2012-2013 and six students entering in academic year 2013-2014. The fellowship will support the education and training of exceptional students from less-developed countries, who intend to return to their home region or country to work in the field of conservation and development.

1. Eligibility:

A. Applicants must be first-year Master’s students in F&ES.

B. Applicants must be nationals of less-developed countries, with a preference for Africa, Asia (including India and China), and Central and South America. The full list of eligible countries can be found on the Student Grants Database page for the Sabin Fellowship.

2. Proposal evaluation:

A. Successful applicants will demonstrate academic excellence based on initial ranking by the F&ES Admissions Office, first semester grades, two reference letters, plans for personal development (research or professional) while at F&ES, and an interview with the selection committee.

B. Successful applicants will demonstrate a commitment to return to live and work in their home country or region. 

C. Successful applicants will demonstrate the potential to contribute to conservation and development policies in their home country or region through:  their leadership capacity; their skills as communicators; their work, personal abilities, and dedication; and their potential to reach others through teaching and research, or as policymakers and/or program managers.

D. Applications will be reviewed by, and interviews will be held with, the TRI Director, members of the TRI Steering Committee, and representatives of the Andrew Sabin Family Foundation.

3. The Award:  The fellowship provides a maximum of $35,000 in support for qualifying Master’s students: up to $20,000 in support for tuition for the second year of Master’s study, depending on the student’s current financial package at F&ES, and up to $15,000 in post-graduation awards for those pursuing environmental careers in their home region or country.

Sabin Fellows will be eligible for the post-graduate award provided they have secured employment in a developing country and have completed 12 months of work within 18 months of their graduation date. The Fellow must work for a governmental organization, non-governmental organization, or private firm engaged in conservation and development work.

4. Application Process: Students should submit applications through the Yale Student Grants Database online at http://studentgrants.yale.edu.  Complete applications must be submitted by Friday, February 8th, 2013 at 5 pm. Awards will be announced by the beginning of May.

II. THE PROPOSAL

The proposal should be single-spaced and written in Times New Roman 12-point font with 1-inch margins. Excess pages will be discarded! Final proposals must include the following:

1. Sabin Proposal Cover Page

2. Proposal Narrative (2 pp. maximum, excess pp will be discarded)

A. One-page, single-spaced essay describing planned focus of research/training at F&ES (including plans for summer research or internship after first year).

B. One-page, single-spaced essay describing career goals and plans for post-graduation work (over the next five years) in home country or region, including commitments if any to particular jobs or organizations.

Note: Please put your name, degree, and country of origin in the header on both pages of the proposal narrative.

3. Additional Materials:

A. Two reference letters: one from an F&ES faculty member and one external recommendation (to whom you should give a description of the Sabin award and your application).

B. Transcript of first semester’s F&ES grades.

C. Resume or CV (maximum 2 pages).

III. SPECIAL SABIN FELLOWSHIP OBLIGATIONS

1. Reporting: All Sabin Fellowship recipients must submit a 1-2 page, single-spaced report to TRI prior to graduation outlining their post-graduation professional plans and aspirations. This report will be sent to the Sabin Family Foundation.

2. Requirements for Post-Graduation Award:

A.  1 page single-spaced summary report describing a minimum of 12 months of work in the field of conservation and development in home country or region within 18 months of date of graduation.  Note: The report should describe the Sabin Fellow’s role and accomplishments within their organizations.

B. Letter(s) from scholar’s employer (in English) documenting proof of employment, including date of hire, terms of employment, title, and responsibilities. The letter should be submitted within the first 18 months of graduation to qualify for the $15,000 post-graduate award.