Au Sable Graduate Fellows

Welcome to the Au Sable Graduate Fellows Program—a unique opportunity for graduate students to connect their Christian faith with their work in environmental and scientific fields. Our program provides spiritual, academic, and professional support to graduate students who are passionate about creation care and its integration with their academic pursuits.

 

Program Overview

The Au Sable Graduate Fellows Program is designed to help students flourish academically and spiritually, while fostering a community of scholars committed to creation care. Fellows will engage in meaningful discussions, participate in an annual retreat, and receive financial support for relevant resources—all with the goal of equipping future leaders in environmental stewardship.

Duration:
Fellowships last for two years and are renewable upon approval. Fellows participate in activities that include monthly discussions, an annual retreat, and shared readings to deepen their understanding of the intersection of faith and environmental stewardship.

Application Process

The application opens annually and must be submitted by December 15th, with final decisions made by January 15th. Applicants must be current graduate students (PhD, MS, or other programs) and will need to provide information on their academic background and research interests.

Application Criteria:

  • Personal Information (Name, Contact, Program, etc.)

  • Statement of Christian Faith

  • Motivation to pursue creation care as an expression of faith

  • Reasons for applying to the Graduate Fellows Program

Program Benefits

  • Book Stipend: Each fellow receives $75 per year to purchase texts relating Christian faith to environmental issues. Additionally, Au Sable selects one book per year for all fellows.

  • Monthly Virtual Discussions: Fellows meet online four times in the spring semester for discussions led by fellows, faculty, and Au Sable staff.

  • Annual Check-ins: Fellows meet with Au Sable staff in the fall to provide updates on their progress and reflections, which are shared on Au Sable’s platforms.

  • Retreat at Great Lakes Campus: Fellows gather each January for a retreat, fostering community and collaboration. Food and housing are provided, and travel scholarships are available.

  • Networking and Mentorship: Opportunities to build long-term connections with experts in their fields and to contribute to the broader scientific and Christian communities.

Program Costs

The program is designed to generate minimal costs to students, with the majority of program costs covered by the institute. This includes stipends, book purchases, and need-based scholarships to support travel to the annual retreat.

Resources for Fellows

Explore some helpful resources to prepare for your journey as an Au Sable Graduate Fellow:

We are excited to partner with you as we work together to promote creation care as an essential part of our calling to serve the Creator.

Contact Us

For questions or more information, please contact Heath Garris at heath.garris@ausable.org.