Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation Announces 2010 Switzer Environmental Fellowships and Grants

BELFAST, Maine, July 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Twenty-one outstanding environmental scholars were announced today as recipients of the Switzer Environmental Fellowship. This is the 24th year of the Switzer Environmental Fellowship Program of the Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation that recognizes the achievements of outstanding environmental leaders. Nine new Leadership Grants deploy Switzer Fellows in science and conservation leadership roles on urgent environmental issues.

2010 SWITZER FELLOWSHIPS

Twenty-one leading environmental scholars were recently chosen from universities in California and New England to receive the Switzer Fellowship, which is one of the nation's most prestigious academic awards for environmental leaders.  Each year, at least 20 promising environmental leaders are awarded $15,000 each from the Robert & Patricia Switzer Foundation to complete masters and doctoral degrees to advance their skills and develop their expertise to address critical environmental challenges.

"The Switzer Foundation makes strategic investments in individual leadership to improve environmental quality," explained Lissa Widoff, Executive Director of the Foundation. "The 2010 Switzer Environmental Fellows are pursuing degrees in diverse disciplines and preparing to address the most complex scientific, policy and conservation issues of our time with integrated approaches. These individuals are united in their focus to actively apply their problem-solving abilities to implement positive change in the environmental realm."

The Switzer Foundation identifies, supports and nurtures emerging environmental leaders. Fellowships are merit-based and rigorously competitive.  Candidates must be recognized for their leadership capacity by their academic institution or by environmental experts. Applications are evaluated based on demonstration of environmental problem-solving, critical analysis and communication skills, relevant work and volunteer experience, necessary scientific or technical background for their field of study, the applicant's career goals and the potential of the candidate to initiate and effect positive environmental change.

Switzer Foundation Board Chair Ashley Boren adds:  "The heart of the Switzer Foundation is about supporting and recognizing environmental leadership, especially individuals who are able to think across traditional disciplinary boundaries and shape the future of environmental science, policy and study.  Our Fellows are responding to the need for integrating technical expertise with a commitment to applied work. At a time when environmental issues are more complex, environmental leaders need to have strong communications and policy skills as well as technical expertise, and we are pleased to foster these approaches through our funding cycles for grants and fellowships."

More information on the 2010 Switzer Fellows and the Leadership Grants recipients can be found at www.switzernetwork.org.

The Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation is a results-driven family foundation that invests in individuals and organizations that drive positive environmental change. Founded in 1986 the Foundation is a grantmaking organization that mobilizes leaders from diverse disciplines who focus on integrated solutions to environmental problems. Over 13 million dollars has been given through the Switzer Environmental Fellowship Program and related grants. The Foundation supports a network of over 470 Fellows who are leaders in nonprofit, public policy, business, academic and government sectors working to solve today's environmental challenges.

SOURCE The Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation