Leaders for Environmental Action Fellowship
Weekend Work-Study Experience
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Duration
Multiple Days
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Grades
9 - 11
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Price
Stipend Provided
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Where
Main Aquarium Campus,
In the Field
Overview
The Leaders for Environmental Action Fellowship (LEAF), formerly 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 high school students 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 promote learning through practice
- Instill Fellows with the values, knowledge and skills to advocate for environmental justice
Topics
Fellows will focus on "Growing Our Community" and investigate two major environmental impacts on Baltimore City: water quality and tree canopy. While learning more about how these impacts affect the city's environment and residents, LEAF fellows will also take tangible action.
Water quality has a great impact on Baltimore City. Numerous tributaries course through four subwatersheds within the city's boundaries, transporting sediment, nutrients and pollutants. Fellows will learn the importance of these waterways, how they have changed over time and how to test the health of the water. Primary outdoor activities include water quality testing and oyster gardening.
Despite its urban nature, Baltimore City's environment is also influenced by foliage and greenery. The city is taking part in a statewide initiative to increase the number of trees. Fellows will learn how important trees are to the environment and humans, how to plant and maintain trees within a city, and how to remove invasive plants that outcompete trees and other native plants. Primary outdoor activities include tree planting and invasive plant removal sessions.
Outside of investigating the impacts of water quality and tree canopy on the city, fellows will also participate in other community engagement activities, like gardening and trash cleanups. They will share the knowledge gained over the year with others by mentoring middle school students throughout the summer and creating a final project to share with National Aquarium guests at the end of their program year.
Application Timeline
Applications are currently on hold for the 2026 year.
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. The Aquarium will provide a stipend of up to $250 per month, totaling $1,250.
- Summer Session (July through early August): meeting Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fellows will be paid through YouthWorks; wages are typically $15 per hour.
- Fall Session (September through November): meeting on the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Aquarium will provide a stipend of up to $250 per month, totaling $750.
Program Requirements
To participate in LEAF, students must:
- Attend a Baltimore City high school
- Be enrolled in grades 9, 10 or 11
- Be able to commit time to program sessions
- Be comfortable doing outdoor activities that may get a bit messy
Contact
For any questions, please email the Leaders for Environmental Action Fellowship advisors at leaf@aqua.org.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice
The National Aquarium is dedicated to creating an environment that is inclusive, equitable and accessible to people from all backgrounds. We cannot successfully change the way humanity cares for our ocean planet without connecting with and appreciating the broad diversity of identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives that make our community unique.