The lack of racial diversity within conservation and clean energy fields is a persistent problem that is becoming increasingly recognized. Recognizing that diversity is a value important to the conservation and clean energy sectors and that we have not always made the progress we strive to make, we seek to work together to help rectify this shortcoming by striving for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in conservation and clean energy. Not only is it intrinsically incumbent upon our sector to change practices that contribute to the lack of people of color, but addressing this problem will also make our work more relevant, accessible, and successful. To this end, the Roger Arliner Young (RAY) Diversity Fellowship focuses on increasing opportunities for emerging leaders of color to learn about, engage with, and enter the conservation and clean energy NGO sectors. The Fellowship is designed to attract and support recent college graduates of color with exceptional promise and demonstrated accomplishment who seek to be leaders in these sectors.

All Fellows work with mentors, grow their networks, and forge lasting relationships within and between the Conservation and Clean Energy cohorts of Fellows. RAY Fellowship positions are full-time paid positions with competitive entry-level salaries plus benefits. All Fellows will also receive a stipend of $1,000 to go towards professional development opportunities, in addition to coordinated professional development through RAY Member Organizations and ELP.