Wyss Scholar Hosts Environmental Law Outreach Program for State College Students

Early this spring, Lewis & Clark Law School’s inaugural Wyss Scholar, Cooper Rodgers ’19, invited two undergraduate students studying environmental sciences at state colleges in California to visit the law school and learn about career paths in environmental law. “Getting Things Done: Careers in Environmental Law for Natural Resources Majors” was developed by Cooper and funded by the Wyss Small Grants Program, which is part of the Wyss Scholars Program. Maya Alvear, from California State Bakersfield, and Thomas Premo, from Humboldt State University, received an all-expense paid trip to spend two days at the law school, learning about the environmental law program and speaking with environmental law students, alumni, faculty and staff about how a background in environmental sciences could translate to a productive career in environmental law. The students also explored Portland’s downtown and enjoyed Portland’s unique food cart culture.

Cooper was thrilled to have the opportunity to give back to students from similar educational institutions and backgrounds as himself: “The Getting Things Done Program was a fantastic experience. The students understood how valuable an experience this was and really made the most of it. I’m incredibly grateful to the Wyss Foundation for its support, and to everyone who participated. I hope that more science students consider law, no matter the field.”

The Wyss Foundation is a private, charitable organization, dedicated to western public lands issues, and its Scholars Program supports graduate-level education for the next generation of leaders in western land conservation. JD students in their second year at Lewis & Clark who are interested in natural resources and public lands issues in western lands, may apply to serve as Wyss Scholars. If selected, the program includes generous tuition benefits, stipends for summer work, and financial assistance post-graduation to continue work in natural resources and public lands issues in western lands, more specifically, in the following areas: Oregon, California, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico. The Scholars Program also provides access to a broad community of current and past Scholars–people who share an interest and passion for conservation and are working to protect western landscapes.