20 Environmental Fellows and Three Grant Recipients Chosen by Switzer Foundation

BELFAST, Maine, Aug. 8, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Twenty environmental scholars were announced today as recipients of the Switzer Environmental Fellowship, a program of the Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation that recognizes the achievements of environmental leaders and their potential to drive positive change. Three Switzer Leadership grants were also awarded to organizations working with Switzer Fellows to address critical environmental issues.

2012 SWITZER FELLOWSHIPS

Each year, at least 20 promising environmental leaders are awarded $15,000 each to complete masters and doctoral degrees to advance their skills and develop their expertise to address critical environmental challenges.  Over $13 million in grants has been invested in Switzer Fellows over a 26-year period.

"The 2012 Switzer Environmental Fellows are preparing to address the most complex environmental issues of our time through academic disciplines at the cutting edge of science and policy. These individuals share a determination to actively apply their problem-solving abilities and innovations in the environmental realm," explained Executive Director Lissa Widoff.

The Switzer Foundation identifies, supports and nurtures emerging environmental leaders. Fellowships are merit-based and rigorously competitive.  Candidates must be recognized for their leadership capacity by their academic institution or by environmental experts.

More information on the 2012 Switzer Fellows and the Leadership Grants recipients can be found at www.switzernetwork.org.

The Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation is a results-driven family foundation that invests in individuals and organizations that drive positive environmental change. Founded in 1986 the Foundation is a grantmaking organization that mobilizes leaders from diverse disciplines who focus on integrated solutions to environmental problems. Over $13 million has been given through the Switzer Environmental Fellowship Program and related grants.  The Foundation supports a network of over 500 Fellows who are leaders in nonprofit, public policy, business, academic and government sectors working to solve today's environmental challenges.