For Students and Early-Career Professionals
Your career in sustainability doesn't have to feel like a solo endeavor. Through the NSS Coaching Program, you'll be matched with a professional who has navigated the path you're on — and is ready to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
What you gain:
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A dedicated coach with real-world sustainability experience in your area of interest
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Honest guidance on career paths, skill gaps, and how to stand out in a competitive field
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Access to a professional network you couldn't build on your own
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Insight into how sustainability work actually gets done — across sectors and disciplines
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A relationship that grows beyond the program
The NSS network spans academia, the private sector, and government. Whatever direction you're headed, we can connect you with someone who's been there.
Apply to be matched with a coach:
For Sustainability
Professionals
You didn't get where you are alone. Now it's your turn to open a door for someone else.
Serving as an NSS coach is one of the most direct ways to strengthen the next generation of sustainability leaders — and to stay connected to the energy and ideas emerging from the field. Coaches set their own availability and structure, making this a flexible commitment with a lasting impact.
What you gain:
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A meaningful connection with an emerging professional who is motivated, curious, and ready to learn
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Fresh perspective on the challenges and opportunities shaping the sustainability landscape
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Recognition as an NSS Mentor in our community and communications
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The satisfaction of contributing directly to a more diverse, capable sustainability workforce
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A deeper connection to the NSS network and mission
You have knowledge that someone right now genuinely needs. Share it.
Apply to become a coach:
The National Sustainability Society (NSS) is pleased to announce its call for nominations to recognize the outstanding contributions of members advancing transformative change in sustainability. These awards honor the people, programs, and teams who exemplify the NSS mission by driving just, resilient, and collaborative solutions across disciplines, sectors, and knowledge systems. Rooted in our values—elevating diverse voices, fostering just transitions, and embracing creativity, intersectionality, and multiple ways of knowing—these recognitions celebrate the essential yet often difficult work of systems change. By highlighting exemplary efforts in sustainability research, practice, and leadership, the awards advance the NSS vision of a thriving, healthy, and equitable future.
To recognize the diversity of ways in which our members are advancing sustainability, we seek nominations for the following awards:
Additional Guidance
In addition to the award-specific merit criteria, the following limitations apply:
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Accomplishments must have occurred within the last five years.
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Team awards must be inclusive of a U.S. location or at least one U.S.-based partner organization.
Timeline:
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Through July 31: Call for nominations is open
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By August 30: Awardees selected and notified
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October 20-23: Awardees announced and recognized at the Second Annual NSS Conference in South Bend, IN
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Award winners/team representatives are expected to attend the conference, supported by the NSS up to $1000 for travel and accommodation.
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Contacts: Elena Irwin, Awards Committee Chair, irwin.78@osu.edu, and Cristy Watkins, cristy@thenss.org
Connect.
Learn.
Lead.
Introducing
the NSS Sustainability
Career Coaching Program
Real guidance from practicing professionals — bridging the gap between sustainability education and a career that makes a difference.
Sustainability is a team effort. The NSS Career Coaching Program pairs students and early-career professionals with experienced sustainability leaders across academia, industry, and the public sector — creating one-on-one relationships built around honest conversation, career strategy, and shared purpose.
Whether you're a student or recent graduate figuring out your next step or an experienced professional looking to give back to the field you've built, this program was made for you.
Timeline
Application: opens August 20, 2026 and closes October 31, 2026
First Cohort: begins January 1, 2027 and runs through March 30, 2027