Applications for the 2025-2026 Class are Open!

Application Materials can be downloaded here.

The deadline for 2025-2026 applications is June 6, 2025 at 5:00PM. 

Materials can be emailed to Blair Blanchette at blair.blanchette@virginia.edu or mailed to PO Box 400179 Charlottesville VA 22904. 

 

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 is $3,750 and includes at least one lunch and at least one dinner at each session. It does not include 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. In some circumstances, VNRLI may be able to offer support for lodging and mileage. 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  and type (program fee, mileage, lodging ) of assistance you are requesting. All requests for assistance are confidential.

2025-2026 Program Dates: 

Accepted Fellows will be notified no later than July 18th, 2025. 

*Locations are subject to change. 

Accepted Fellows Information Session: August 27, 2025 2PM-3PM (Virtual)

Session 1: September 24-26, 2025 – TBD

Session 2: November 12-14, 2024 – Virginia Beach

Session 3: January 14-16, 2026 – Petersburg

Session 4: March 11-13, 2026 – Harrisonburg

Session 5: April 21-24, 2026 – Southwest VA

Session 6: June 10-12, 2026 – Charlottesville

 

For questions, please contact Blair Blanchette at brb6eb@virginia.edu.