Scholarships to the 2025 SFI Annual Conference from May 20-23 in Minneapolis, MN
The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) is offering scholarships to selected American and Canadian young professionals and students studying environmental science, natural resources, sustainability, or related fields, to attend the2025 SFI Annual Conference from May 20-23, 2025.
The scholarships will cover registration costs, travel, food, and accommodation during the conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota.Please note, hotel rooms will not be provided for youth living in Minneapolis.
Accepted applicants will:
Have an all-expenses-paid opportunity to attend the 2025 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 an American or Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or have Refugee Status in Canada or 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 20-23 in Minneapolis, MN.
Write a summary blog about experience, share photos, or provide a video testimonial.
Application
If you would prefer to submit your application in an alternative format, such as a video recording, please email dominic.weeks@forests.org.
By submitting this application, you consent to receive communications from PLT Canada, pltcanada.org, and SFI, forests.org, about the SFI Youth Delegates program. We will never sell or share your information, and you can opt out of communications anytime. View our privacy policy.
SFI is proud to provide our employees with a collaborative, dynamic, and rewarding professional experience, with a competitive compensation and benefits package and growth opportunities. We are committed to creating a diverse environment and being an equal opportunity employer. Our team represents a broad range of cultures, education, disciplines, and work and life experiences, and we strive to leverage these differences in our daily work. We will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We believe in creating an empowered and supportive team that is committed to advancing sustainability through forest-focused collaborations.
The Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) is offering scholarships to selected American and Canadian young professionals and students studying environmental science, natural resources, sustainability, or related fields, to attend the 2025 SFI Annual Conference from May 20-23, 2025.
