SEED Collier

SEED Collier is a competitive fellowship that equips professionals with the knowledge, relationships, and practical tools to help guide responsible growth and strengthen the long-term resilience of Collier County.

The fellowship recognizes that many of the decisions affecting our environment are made not only by environmental professionals, but by leaders across business, government, planning, development, education, healthcare, real estate, hospitality, public works, and many other sectors. Through immersive learning experiences and an applied Action Project, SEED Collier helps participants understand how environmental stewardship, economic vitality, and community resilience are interconnected—and how they can make informed decisions that benefit all three.

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Why SEED Collier?

Collier County's natural resources are the foundation of our economy, quality of life, and resilience. Clean water, healthy estuaries, resilient coastlines, and well-managed landscapes support tourism, business investment, property values, recreation, and public health.

As our community continues to grow, decisions about land use, infrastructure, operations, development, facilities, procurement, and public policy have lasting environmental and economic consequences.

SEED Collier was created to help professionals better understand these connections and translate science-based knowledge into practical action within their organizations and communities.

Rather than simply increasing environmental awareness, the fellowship emphasizes implementation—giving Fellows the opportunity to apply what they learn through meaningful projects that create lasting organizational and community benefits.

Who Should Apply?

SEED Collier is designed for professionals whose work influences how organizations operate, how land is managed, and how communities grow. While professionals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, the fellowship is especially intended for those whose work has important environmental implications but who may have had limited opportunities for formal environmental learning.

Selection will prioritize applicants who:

• Are in a position to influence decisions within their organization or community.
• Have meaningful opportunities to apply fellowship concepts through their work.
• Have the support of their employer to fully participate.
• Demonstrate a commitment to responsible growth and long-term resilience in Collier County.
• Value collaboration and learning alongside professionals from diverse sectors.

What to Expect

The fellowship combines expert instruction, immersive field experiences, peer learning, and applied problem-solving.

Participants will take part in four place-based learning experiences hosted by leading environmental organizations throughout Collier County. Through field experiences and discussions with regional experts, Fellows will explore how environmental science connects to real-world professional decisions.

The Action Project

The Action Project is the centerpiece of the fellowship.

Each Fellow will develop and implement a project that applies fellowship concepts within their organization or sphere of influence. Rather than being an academic assignment, the Action Project is intended to produce tangible improvements that strengthen organizational practices and benefit the broader community.

Projects will vary based on each Fellow's professional role and may include:

• Improving organizational practices
• Updating policies or procedures
• Piloting innovative approaches
• Enhancing water or landscape management
• Incorporating environmental considerations into planning or operations
• Developing internal education or training initiatives

To support implementation, Fellows will receive a $1,000 Action Project mini-grant, which is combined with a $500 contribution from the Fellow or their employer to provide up to $1,500 in project funding.

Fellowship Commitment

Fellows are expected to:

• Attend all required program sessions.
• Actively participate in discussions and field experiences.
• Develop and implement an Action Project.
• Collaborate respectfully with professionals from diverse sectors.

Employer support is important to ensure participants have the time and organizational backing needed to successfully complete the fellowship and their Action Project.

Inaugural Cohort

Thanks to the generous support of the Collier Community Foundation, there is no tuition fee for SEED Collier's inaugural cohort. Instead, Fellows (or their employers) will contribute $500 toward implementing their Action Project. Selection is competitive, with only 20 Fellows chosen.

Program Timeline

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