With the organization’s new emphasis on helping communities become climate-ready, incoming projects of the 26-year-old Island Institute Fellows program will have a strong focus on climate and/or marine economy. This refined focus not only aligns with Island Institute’s recently refreshed mission statement “we boldly navigate climate and economic change with island and coastal communities to expand opportunities and deliver solutions,” but it also supports the strategies outlined Maine’s climate action plan, Maine Won’t Wait.
“At its heart, the fellowship program offers early career professionals community development experiences through direct support of a community identified need,” shared Center for Sustainable Communities Director, Kate Tagai who has worked with the Institute’s fellow’s program for over a decade.
Keeping true to its roots and honoring this new focus, fellowship projects beginning this fall will align with Strategy G of Maine Won’t Wait: “Engage with Maine People on Climate Action.” And Maine’s people are gritty, hopefully persistent, and willing to face challenges and unknowns despite differences to support their communities now and into the future.
This spirit of resilience and collaboration is exactly what the Island Institute’s Fellows program cultivates in the next generation of community leaders. If you are or know an early or new career professional looking for a rich community development experience focusing on climate and/or the marine economy, fellowship applications for 2025-2027 are now open. Applications are due March 17. Learn more and apply here.
Read on for examples of current fellowship projects that connect with Maine Won’t Wait strategies and Island Institute’s mission.
Creating Jobs and Grow Maine’s Economy through Climate Action (Strategy D)
Taylor Rossini – Swan’s Island’s economy relies heavily on the lobster industry. As the town’s library expands its offerings, one hope is helping connect fishermen and their families to the technology they need for reporting, tracking, or training if income diversification is needed.
Protecting Maine’s Environment and Natural Working Lands & Waters (Strategy E)
Thomas McClellan – Monhegan Plantation was already planning on replacing its public wharf and hoped to add a breakwater when the January 2024 storms hit. The high seas and severe storm surge pushed the priority of the wharf’s replacement and the necessity to rebuild with a more resilient design. Thomas is exploring funding for these large projects and listening to community feedback on potential designs to address sea level rise and increased storm surge pressure.
