Applications for the 2024-2025 cohort are currently closed.

The deadline for applications for the 2024-2025 cohort was June 7, 2024. If you are interested in applying next year, please contact Alexandra Cook at abc3hc@virginia.edu be notified of future opportunities to apply. The application for the 2025-2026 cohort will open in March 2025. 

What is the Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute?

Six three-day sessions utilizing a proven mix of mini-lectures, experiential role plays, exercises, stakeholder panel discussions, tools for virtual engagement, peer and faculty mentoring, and field trips. 

VNRLI's curriculum is updated each year to incorporate new issues and natural resource topics. A sample curriculum can be found here. 

Program Fees & Payment Schedule

The program fee of $3,450 includes lunch each day, and at least one dinner at each session. It does notinclude additional meals, lodging, or personal travel. The program uses the University of Virginia’s travel rate when arranging lodging and meals.

Financial Assistance

A limited number of need-based scholarships are available to cover the program fee, as well as mileage (for travel to and from sessions) and lodging for recipients. Candidates from underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply. VNRLI recognizes that our society needs leaders who have a deep understanding of the impacts and opportunities of pressing natural resources, social, and economic challenges. We seek to invest in the careers of exceptional, passionate leaders from all backgrounds and ensure that our program reflects the racial, geographic, and sector diversity of our state.

If you wish to be considered for a scholarship, please attach a letter indicating your need for financialassistance and the amount of assistance you are requesting. All requests for assistance are confidential.

2024-2025 Program Dates: 

Session 1: September 18-20, 2024 – Amherst County 

Session 2: November 13-15, 2024 – Virginia Beach  

Session 3: January 8-10, 2025 – Richmond   

Session 4: March 5-7, 2025 – Harrisonburg

Session 5: April 23-25, 2025 – Southwest VA

Session 6: June 11-13, 2025 – Charlottesville

For questions, please contact Alexandra Cook at abc3hc@virginia.edu.