New Diversity Fellowships Established by Environmental Defense Fund

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                   

Contacts:
Charles R. Miller, 202-572-3364, CMiller@edf.org
 
(Washington – April 15, 2009) — In a concrete step to become a more diverse organization, Environmental Defense Fund today announced the creation of two paid, permanent diversity fellowships, lasting one year for each fellow. The first fellowship will start in September, with the second beginning later in the year, and EDF is already in the process of selecting projects for the new fellows. Recruitment will begin shortly.
 
The fellows will come from diverse backgrounds, and EDF will recruit outstanding candidates who are recent college graduates, or recent graduates with advanced degrees. The fellows will have a demonstrated interest and training in environmental sciences or issues. Historically black colleges and universities, colleges with strong environmental programs, and law schools will be among the targets for recruitment.
 
“As an organization, we have recognized that we must do much more to provide opportunities for people of diverse backgrounds,” said David Yarnold, executive director of EDF. “This is not just a matter of fairness, although that was an important factor in our thinking. It’s also a matter of making our programs stronger, so we can reach our strategic goals. A diverse staff and workplace will help us reach new constituencies and bring valuable new perspectives to our work.”
 
“Our ambition is to become the leader within the environmental community on diversity issues,” Yarnold said.
 
The new fellows will work on discrete projects, and during their year at EDF, staff will help them develop skills they will find useful in their careers going forward, including writing, media, and public presentation.
 
People seeking more information about the new fellowships, including information on how to apply, should contact Kim Sharp at (512) 691-3414, or ksharp@edf.org. For more information about Environmental Defense Fund, interested candidates should go to www.edf.org.
 
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Environmental Defense Fund, a leading national nonprofit organization, represents more than 500,000 members.  Since 1967, Environmental Defense Fund has linked science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships to create breakthrough solutions to the most serious environmental problems.  www.edf.org
 

One of the world’s leading international nonprofit organizations, Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org) creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships. With more than 3 million members and offices in the United States, China, Mexico, Indonesia and the European Union, EDF’s scientists, economists, attorneys and policy experts are working in 28 countries to turn our solutions into action. Connect with us on Twitter @EnvDefenseFund