We are excited to announce that applications are officially open for the 2027 cohort of the Young Professionals of the Chesapeake (YPC) Mentorship Program!
Program Overview
Running from January through December 2027, YPC supports early-career professionals working in the environmental field through mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities. The program aims to address workforce challenges within the Chesapeake Bay restoration movement by helping young professionals navigate barriers to career growth and build lasting connections across the region.
Now entering its eleventh year, YPC offers:
- Tailored mentorship based on participants’ professional goals, interests, and experiences
- Professional development trainings and skill-building opportunities tailored to each year’s cohort
- Leadership development opportunities for both mentors and mentees
- Networking opportunities to build relationships with environmental professionals across the Chesapeake Bay watershed
- Field trips and other opportunities to connect with fellow participants and explore environmental work throughout the region
The program is completely free and open to individuals across the Chesapeake Bay watershed, regardless of whether they work for a Choose Clean Water Coalition member organization.
Learn More About YPC | Apply for the 2027 Cohort!
Applications are due Monday, November 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
We are recruiting both mentors and mentees! Whether you’re looking for guidance as you navigate your career or hoping to share your experience and support another environmental professional, we encourage you to apply.
If you have any questions, please reach out to urvinaw@nwf.org.
Please share this opportunity with your networks and help us continue strengthening and diversifying the environmental workforce across the Chesapeake Bay region!
