Fundraising for Graduate Study in the USA

Hello there!

My name is Roslina Ragai, and I have been working in conservation since 2005. After almost 18 years of working in this field, I desire to further my education. Recently, I was accepted to the professional master's program at the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin. The University of Wisconsin is one of the top universities in the United States for studies in conservation and the environment, and it produces competent graduates in their fields. This is the reason I think this program will help me to move up in my career and most importantly, to give back to my community in terms of my conservation practices and leadership.

By obtaining this degree, I will apply practical interdisciplinary skillsets in navigating complex decision-making among diverse interest groups in my workplace. I have been working with diverse groups from international researchers to local communities in rural areas so this course will improve my engagement with people, manage programs, understand applied science and communicate effectively. One of my dreams is to establish a community-driven conservation platform within local communities that live neighbouring the Protected Areas.

This Environmental Conservation master's degree offers a 15-month tuition period with 12 months on campus and three months in my home country, Malaysia. I have been successfully awarded two tuition assistance awards from the university to support my tuition fees. However, it is still not enough to cover the cost of this program.

I have been looking for available funding resources at home and also online specifically for study in the US but I haven’t been able to find additional funding for this year. It was at this point, when all doors seem to be closed, that I realize that I need help from our community.

Thank you so much for your kindness.