IonE Undergraduate Leaders: Convergence of Ideas & Action
The Institute on the Environment (IonE) Undergraduate Leaders Program helps emerging undergraduate leaders become real-world change makers committed to solutions-focused leadership. It encourages holistic thinking and respects the diverse skills and perspectives each leader brings to the table.
Program participants will receive a $1,600 stipend. Applications for the 2022-23 cohort were open from August 15th – September 15th, 2022.
What will you do as an IonE Undergraduate Leader?
- Recognize how equity is integral to sustainability and identify structural inequities in the systems we are part of
- Learn from diverse and underrepresented perspectives
- Advance your leadership skills and meet self-identified goals
- Form community and build long-lasting connections with people who are passionate about sustainability and equity
Team Projects
IonE Undergraduate Leaders will work in a team of 4-6 students with a community partner on a project related to sustainability and equity. Applicants are encouraged to read about the project descriptions and identify their preferred projects.
In 2022-23, we are only accepting applications from Twin Cities students as we are planning for in-person programming. Adaptations will be made as needed as we monitor the evolving COVID situation.
If you are a student from a different U of M campus interested in participating, we still want to know! Please email tufai002@umn.edu if you are interested so we can consider your input and interest when we plan for next year.
2022-2023 Cohort Timeline
Applications deadline: Thursday, September 15th, 6 pm
Interviews: Third and fourth week September
Decisions: First week October
Kick Off Event: Saturday, October 8th, 10 am – 2 pm
Fall Meetings are on the following Mondays, 6 – 8 pm:
- October 17th
- October 31st
- November 14th
- November 28th
Spring Meetings are on the following Mondays, 6 – 8 pm:
- January 23rd
- February 6th
- February 20th
- March 20th
- April 3rd
Final Retreat: TBD – End of April 2023
Mentor Meetings: Teams also meet with the Cohort Mentor or another team mentor on periodic basis to receive individualized or small group coaching on their project and leadership goals.
Questions?
Please contact Fatima Tufail at tufai002@umn.edu
Project Management
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Goal Setting + Planning
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Logic models + Formative evaluation
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Systems thinking + Stakeholder analysis
Leadership Development
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Leadership competencies
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Communication Skills
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Personal leadership style
Network Building
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Informational interviews
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Guest speakers (University and community leaders)
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Coaching with facilitators
Community
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Off-campus retreats
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Cohort activities
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Peer feedback
Frequently Asked Questions
- Cohort of leaders reflecting together on making change in the world.
- Workshops with sustainability and leadership content and thought-provoking speakers.
- A collaborative network of peers to take action on sustainability ideas and projects.
- Program participants will receive a $1,600 stipend.
- Attend all Undergraduate Leaders Meetings.
- Develop goals and action plans and reflect on your project/leadership practice and meet with mentor as a small group or individually to discuss progress periodically.
- Work with a network of your peers to take action on a sustainability ideas and projects.
- The estimated time commitment to work on your leadership project or practice is 10 hours per month in addition to gatherings.
We accept online applications at the start of each school year.
University of Minnesota Twin Cities undergraduate students from all disciplinary backgrounds with a passion for sustainability and desire to expand their leadership experiences are eligible to apply.
Yes! Leadership is a on-going practice. The workshops and leadership activities vary each year so participants won’t feel that the activities are redundant. Each cohort has its own characteristics and returning IonE Undergrad Leaders are welcome to re-apply.
The program is from October to April each year. Program participants can expect to commit to attending the cohort meetings during the academic year. See the schedule above. Participants are also expected to hold at least one small group meeting per month with their project mentors and coaches. Participants commit to working on their projects for approximately 100 hours from October until April.
No, applicants admitted to the program are expected to participate in all scheduled program events. Rare exceptions can be made.