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Applications being accepted through April 10!
Applications for Island Fellows open February 1–April 10, 2020.
Learn more and apply today!
About the Island Fellows Program
The Island Fellows Program is one of the signature programs of the Island Institute. Since 1999, the Island Fellows Program has placed college and master’s degree graduates in Maine’s coastal and year-round island communities for one to two years. Fellowships provide a unique opportunity for recent graduates to apply their skills and gain experience helping to build sustainability within communities whose way of life and identity face many challenges.
The Island Fellows Program provides support for Maine's island and coastal communities by:
- Strengthening capacity for the local management of historical, cultural, natural, economic, and information resources
- Assisting in local research, planning, education, and technology projects
The Island Fellows Program provides support for the Island Fellows by:
- Offering enriching professional development opportunities for recent college graduates
- Building professional experiences and networks for Fellows looking to live and work in Maine
Awards and Recognition
- The Island Fellows Program was recognized with the "Outstanding Program" award by the Community Development Society.
- The Island Fellows Program was an official winner of the 2014 SHIFT Sustainability Award.
How does the Island Fellows Program work?
Island or remote coastal organizations apply to the Island Institute with a community supported project that could benefit from an extra set of hands (see the "Host a Fellow" section below). The Institute then finds highly qualified recent graduates to live for 24 months in residence in the community (see How to Be a Good Island Fellow). Immersion in the community connects fellows directly with islanders to gain an intimate understanding of island life and to understand the needs and opportunities around the identified project. Fellows are expected to be active participants in their community and bring their own experiences and skills to share.
Be a Fellow
Application period open from February 1–March 27, 2020.
Only online applications are accepted—APPLY HERE.
Learn more about being an Island Fellow here:
Island Fellow Job Description
Be a Fellow 2020
How to be a Good Island Fellow
Minimum Qualifications
- A recent undergraduate or graduate degree (within five years of graduation)
- Professional interests that align strongly with the goals of the Island Institute
- Outstanding interpersonal communication skills; able to speak about the work in an articulate, professional, and compelling manner, both one-on-one and with groups
- The ability to understand island and rural communities and how change happens locally
- The ability to listen in communities and in partnerships to inform, develop, and implement responsive programming
- Interest in shaping experiences for community members that inspire them to act and solve problems
- Comfort with technology, including information technology systems such as Office 365 applications
- The ability and willingness to travel to off-site locations, including by boat
- Ability to work without direct supervision
- Enthusiasm for living and working in small, rural communities
Click here for the full job description.
Island Fellow Benefits
- In-community housing, utilities, and internet provided
- $12/hour wage
- Paid vacation, holidays, and time off
- Professional development through retreats and workshops and Island Institute events
- Professional development funds
- Health insurance
- Laptop purchase program
- Networking with other like-minded professionals and organizations
- Island Institute membership
Questions?
See the following FAQs for answers to some commonly asked questions, or contact Andy Theriault for additional assistance.
Host a Fellow
Application period open February 1–March 20, 2020. APPLY HERE.
The Island Institute Fellows Program’s goals are to provide support for Maine’s island and coastal communities by:
- Building capacity by meeting community-stated needs through project-based work
- Increasing capacity for the local management of historical, cultural, natural, economic and informational resources
- Assisting local research, planning, education and technology projects
- Offering enriching professional-development opportunities for Island Fellows
Learn more about hosting an Island Fellow here:
Host a Fellow
The 2019-2020 Island Fellows
Current Fellows
Caroline Carrigan — Swan's Island — Caroline is working on Swan’s Island to complete a comprehensive municipal plan. An additional area of Caroline’s fellowship is supporting the Recreation Committee, offering programs for school-aged and teenage youth. Caroline is a graduate of University of Maine and holds a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Environmental Sciences.
Dan DeBord — Monhegan — Louis W. Cabot Fellow — Dan is working with the Monhegan community to bring high-speed broadband access to the island. He is also working with the assessors to set up municipal systems. Originally from Virginia, he has spent summers on Frenchboro, ME. Dan graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in economics and history and a minor in religious studies.
Diana Furukawa — Millinocket — Diana is working with the Millinocket Memorial Library to develop a community resource and volunteer coordination center for the Katahadin region. Before moving to Maine, she lived in Seattle, Washington. Diana graduated from Bowdoin College with a degree in sociology and visual arts.
Dylan McBride — Washington County Council of Governments — Dylan is working to develop and implement the Bike Bus, a mobile bicycle repair and riding program for youth in Washington County. The program will provide free bicycling-related programs for youth to improve physical and emotional health, build social and mechanical skills, introduce children to outdoor recreation assets in their community, and build interest in environmental stewardship. Dylan majored in Medieval Studies at Smith College.
Ellie Mason — St. George — William Bingham Fellowship in Rural Education — Ellie is working with the St George School and Blueberry Cove to develop and implement a sustainable afterschool program. In addition to elementary student programming, this work involves social media communications and engaging local high school students. A graduate of Smith College, Ellie majored in Arts in Environmental Science and Policy and brings experience working with youth in outdoor settings.
Gillian Welch — Vinalhaven — James S. and Joanne M. Cooney Island Fellow— Gillian is supporting the work of the Vinalhaven non-profit Our Island CARES (Community Addiction Recovery Education Support). CARES promotes health in the community through education and action to reduce and prevent substance use disorder. Gillian is a graduate of College of the Atlantic, with a degree in Human Ecology.
Mark Macey — Eastport — Mark is working with Eastport Arts Center and Stage East, community theater groups aiming to increase work with new participants and audiences, especially youth. A graduate of the University of Utah with a BA in Theater Studies, Mark lived in Salt Lake City before moving to Maine.
Molly Siegel — Isle au Haut — Willoughby I. "Toby" Stuart Island Fellowship — Molly is supporting the Isle au Haut community by adding capacity and technical support for a community telemedicine facility and affordable, sustainable year-round housing. Since September 2016, Molly has worked with the Portland Housing Authority as a community hub coordinator. She has her Bachelor of Arts in environmental studies from Dartmouth College.
Natalie Hyde-Petersen — Frenchboro — Natalie is working with the community on the island of Frenchboro to support educational efforts with an after school and summer learning program. She also works with the Maine Coast Heritage Trust to support community programs. Natalie graduated from Gordon College with a degree in linguistics.
