For over a decade, the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program (DDCSP) Collaborative provided transformative, hands-on conservation training and professional development for undergraduate students, preparing them for impactful careers in the conservation field. Through applied field research, internships, mentorship, and strong professional networks, the program cultivated a vibrant community of scholars who continue to make meaningful contributions to conservation today.

With a focus on experiential learning, leadership development, and career exploration, the DDCSP Collaborative supported over 200 scholars, many of whom have gone on to shape the future of conservation through roles in research, policy, advocacy, and environmental stewardship. These scholars not only gained technical skills but also became part of a lifelong network committed to advancing conservation in diverse and dynamic ways.

As we reflect on this chapter with immense pride, we celebrate the program’s lasting legacy and the community it built, a network that continues to thrive through the ongoing contributions of our scholars. While the formal DDCSP Collaborative program has concluded, its mission to develop and support the next generation of conservation leaders remains central to our work.

Today, that legacy continues through the work of Conservation Collaborative, which builds on the strong foundation established by the DDCSP Collaborative. While the focus has expanded to support the broader conservation workforce, the core values of collaboration, innovation, and shared learning remain at the heart of our efforts. In this way, the investment in the DDCSP Collaborative continues to grow, ensuring that the scholars and the principles that shaped their experiences are supported well beyond their undergraduate years.

This transition represents an evolution, not an end. By supporting the next phase of this work, we are not only honoring the legacy of the DDCSP Collaborative but also ensuring that its impact continues to ripple through the conservation community for years to come.