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Youth Delegates

Group shot of youth delegates and mentors on stage of 2024 SFI Annual Conference

Scholarships to the 2026 SFI Annual Conference from May 5-7 in Montreal, QC

The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) is offering scholarships to selected Canadian and American young professionals and students studying environmental science, natural resources, sustainability, or related fields, to attend the 2026 SFI Annual Conference from May 5-7, 2026. 

The scholarships will cover registration costs, travel, food, and accommodation during the conference in Montreal, Quebec. Please note, hotel rooms will not be provided for youth living in Montreal.

Accepted applicants will: 

  • Have an all-expenses-paid opportunity to attend the 2026 SFI Annual Conference 
  • Meet and network with like-minded young adults, students, and professionals to gain valuable knowledge from experts in the field 
  • Attend career development training and youth-focused events to increase their employability and create meaningful relationships 
  • Be matched with an established professional in the sector to guide them during the conference and support their networking

  • “I have attended conferences for different disciplines, but the SFI conference was the most fun that I have had at a conference. It opened my eyes to jobs I was not aware of in the field of forestry, like auditing, as well as various nonprofit positions. I shook hands and spoke with influential people, and the connections I made were very meaningful. So meaningful, in fact, I have been offered job positions since attending the conference and meeting the CEOs of organizations that align with my long-term goals.”
    Alexis Martin
    Youth Delegate
    2023 SFI Annual Conference

    “I have attended conferences for different disciplines, but the SFI conference was the most fun that I have had at a conference. It opened my eyes to jobs I was not aware of in the field of forestry, like auditing, as well as various nonprofit positions. I shook hands and spoke with influential people, and the connections I made were very meaningful. So meaningful, in fact, I have been offered job positions since attending the conference and meeting the CEOs of organizations that align with my long-term goals.”
    Alexis Martin
    Youth Delegate
    2023 SFI Annual Conference

  • “When I joined the PLT Green Mentor program and went to their conference, it was definitely life-changing. I was able to meet more people who could relate to many of the experiences I have had and who care about the topics and problems in the world as much as I do. I was able to explore more career interests and learn more about the things I can do with my degree.”
    Jah’Niya Myers
    Youth delegate
    2022 SFI Annual Conference

    “When I joined the PLT Green Mentor program and went to their conference, it was definitely life-changing. I was able to meet more people who could relate to many of the experiences I have had and who care about the topics and problems in the world as much as I do. I was able to explore more career interests and learn more about the things I can do with my degree.”
    Jah’Niya Myers
    Youth delegate
    2022 SFI Annual Conference

  • “This conference was absolutely incredible for someone like me who’s just starting out in their professional journey. It pushed me outside my comfort zone multiple times, and I can’t express enough how grateful I am for that opportunity. Witnessing organizations and experienced professionals taking an interest in us, the youth, is truly inspiring. Sometimes, all we need is a little support to achieve great things, and this conference provided just that. The chance to connect and have meaningful conversations with people from diverse backgrounds and unique experiences was invaluable. I firmly believe that these interactions will leave a lasting impact on my career. They’ve motivated me to explore new career pathways I never even knew existed.”
    Benjamin Strelkov
    Youth Delegate
    2023 SFI Annual Conference

    “This conference was absolutely incredible for someone like me who’s just starting out in their professional journey. It pushed me outside my comfort zone multiple times, and I can’t express enough how grateful I am for that opportunity. Witnessing organizations and experienced professionals taking an interest in us, the youth, is truly inspiring. Sometimes, all we need is a little support to achieve great things, and this conference provided just that. The chance to connect and have meaningful conversations with people from diverse backgrounds and unique experiences was invaluable. I firmly believe that these interactions will leave a lasting impact on my career. They’ve motivated me to explore new career pathways I never even knew existed.”
    Benjamin Strelkov
    Youth Delegate
    2023 SFI Annual Conference

  • “I am so grateful to have been able to take part in SFI’s Annual Conference! It was the first time at an event I was able to see myself represented as someone who is Métis with the stories, people, and my mentor that I was matched with for the conference! The memories and friends made at this conference will be with me for a lifetime!”
    Riana Smith
    Youth Delegate
    2023 SFI Annual Conference

    “I am so grateful to have been able to take part in SFI’s Annual Conference! It was the first time at an event I was able to see myself represented as someone who is Métis with the stories, people, and my mentor that I was matched with for the conference! The memories and friends made at this conference will be with me for a lifetime!”
    Riana Smith
    Youth Delegate
    2023 SFI Annual Conference

Eligibility

To participate in this opportunity, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be between 18–30 years old.
  • Be living in Canada or the United States.
  • Have a valid passport/all necessary documentation to travel. SFI will not provide visas.
  • Be available to attend the entire conference from May 5-7 in Montreal, QC.
  • Write a summary blog about experience, share photos, or provide a video testimonial.

Application

Please email dominic.weeks@forests.org if you have any questions or if you would prefer to submit in a different format.

Please note that PLT Canada/SFI cannot provide a visa to travel for the conference. It is your responsibility to arrange any travel documentation.
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