ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND ACADEMIC PATHWAYS FREE ONLINE TRAINING

Build in-demand skills to launch or grow your career in the green nonprofit sector.

6-week course | 100% online | No cost to join

What Is the Environmental Research & Academic Pathways Training?

The Environmental Research & Academic Pathways training is an intensive 6-week online training designed for justice-driven students and recent graduates passionate about the intersection of environmental action, research, and higher education. This immersive program will equip you with the skills, confidence, and network to build a meaningful career in academia, research institutes, or roles that influence change.

What’s Included in Your Learning Experience

Get more than just a certificate—get the tools, connections, and real-world experience to jumpstart your green career. Here’s what you’ll access as part of the program:

  • Understand varied environmental research careers.

  • Develop community-focused research questions and methods.

  • Gain exposure to environmental data and tools.

  • Create a portfolio-ready writing assignment.

  • Design a Capstone Research Concept and Academic Pathways Plan.

  • Navigate the graduate school process and funding.

  • Craft your research identity statement.

  • Earn a MobilizeGreen digital Environmental Research and Academic Pathways badge.

 

Program Details

Format: Virtual - includes live and self-paced components

Duration: 6 weeks

Time Commitment: 4 hours per week (1.5 hours live session, 2.5 assignments on your own time)

Dates: September 22nd to October 27th, Mondays, 1:00pm ET-2:30pm ET

“The weekly assignments were very helpful in sharpening the skills I have and discovering new things about myself.”
— Haddy S., Spring 2025

Expand Your Green Career Readiness

Explore a step-by-step journey through environmental research fundamentals, academic success, and funding skills with each module designed to move your career forward.

  • Week 1: Mapping Environmental Research Careers
     Discover where your skills and values align with various environmental research sectors.

  • Week 2: Asking Research Questions That Matter
     Learn to design equity-informed studies that reflect community voices.

  • Week 3: Exploring Environmental Data & Tools
     Dive into environmental datasets, monitoring tools, and data storytelling.

  • Week 4: Writing for Impact
     Master tailoring your message for academic, policy, or public audiences.

  • Week 5: Graduate School, Funding & Fellowships
     Demystify the grad school application process and explore funding opportunities.

  • Week 6: Capstone Showcase & Professional Identity
     Present your research concept and build your professional brand.

FAQs

  • This course is ideal for students, recent graduates, early-career professionals, and career changers interested in environmental work or nonprofit careers. No prior experience is required.

  • Not at all. The program is designed to be beginner-friendly while still offering depth and professional development opportunities.

  • Plan for approximately 4 hours per week:

    • 1.5 hours of live instruction

    • 2.5 hours of assignments, reading, and project work

    • Ongoing participation in MobilizeGreen Connect and Capstone developmenttion text goes here

  • Each week you’ll receive:

    • A MobilizeGreen Curriculum Guide

    • A live virtual session

    • Access to MobilizeGreen Connect for discussion and collaboration

    • Progress toward your Capstone project

  • The Capstone is your final project, built around your career interests. You’ll work on it throughout the course and present it in Week 6. It’s designed to be portfolio-worthy and shareable with future employers.

  • MobilizeGreen Connect is a private, web-based community space where you can:

    • Discuss weekly topics

    • Collaborate with peers

    • Get feedback from facilitators

    • Network with others passionate about climate and nonprofit work

  • We encourage live participation, but if you miss a session, contact your Student Coordinator for make-up guidance. Just keep your facilitators in the loop!

  • Yes. Upon completing the course and Capstone project, you’ll earn the Nonprofit Capacity and Career Readiness Certificate.

  • Yes—there’s no cost to participate, thanks to MobilizeGreen’s mission to expand access to green career pathways.

  • This course isn’t just theory—it’s action. You’ll work on real-world challenges, gain community, get job-search support, and leave with a Capstone project you can actually use in your career.