Leaders for Environmental Action Fellowship

Overview

The Leaders for Environmental Action Fellowship (LEAF), formerly known as the Henry Hall Fellowship, exists to create a green Baltimore City. We define green Baltimore as a city that is physically, culturally and behaviorally eco-conscious; one in which environmentalism is practiced by many for the benefit of all. The Fellowship is for Baltimore City and Baltimore County high school students who are curious about and interested in urban conservation and environmental justice. Fellows will receive a monthly stipend based on attendance, provided by the National Aquarium during the school year and by YouthWorks during the summer. LEAF aims to:

• Foster positive youth development
• Create opportunities for hands-on conservation work and stewardship that promotes learning through practice
• Instill Fellows with the values, knowledge and skills to advocate for environmental justice

Fellows will focus on the topic "Conserving Our Watershed" and investigate the importance of Baltimore's local subwatersheds. Classroom sessions will provide background information about Baltimore's subwatersheds and their relationship to the greater Chesapeake Bay. With this knowledge, Fellows will be able to participate in green infrastructure projects, attend local events and engage with communities.

LEAF will work with Baltimore's Office of Sustainability to install green infrastructure (rain gardens, pollinator gardens, murals etc.) at schools. They will also work with TreeBaltimore's programs, TreeKeepers and Weed Warriors, to help increase tree canopy and decrease invasive species within the city.

Application Timeline

• Applications for the 2025–26 LEAF Program open Monday, November 4, 2024, and close Tuesday, December 31, 2024.
• Applicant's recommendations will be accepted from Monday, November 4, 2024, until Monday, January 6, 2025.
• Interviews will be conducted the week of January 13, 2025.
• Students will be notified of their status by Monday, January 27, 2025.
• Sessions will begin Saturday, February 8, 2025.

Program Schedule

Programming is split into three parts to comprise a full year:

• Spring Session (February through June): meeting on the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Summer Session (July through early August): meeting Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Fall Session (September through November): meeting on the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Program Requirements

To participate in LEAF, students must:

• Attend a Baltimore City or Baltimore County high school
• Be enrolled in grades 9, 10 or 11
• Be able to commit time to program sessions

Contact

For any questions, please email the Leaders for Environmental Action Fellowship advisors at leaf@aqua.org.