Andrew Alessi Scholar

Andrew Alessi Scholar Program

A Paid Leadership Program by Debris Free Oceans

📍 Location: Miami-Dade County, FL (Hybrid; In-person Participation Required)
🗓️ Program Dates: Academic Year; August 24, 2026-May 2, 2027
💰 Compensation: Minimum of $1,000 and up to $2,500 stipend, subject to the number of deliverables completed
⏰ Time Commitment: 5-10 hours/week

About Debris Free Oceans

Debris Free Oceans (DFO) is a Miami-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to empowering local communities to go zero waste so all can have access to clean oceans and a healthy environment.

Through education, events, consulting, coalition-building, and advocacy, DFO is helping lead Miami-Dade’s transition toward a zero waste economy. Our work is grounded in the understanding that zero waste is both an infrastructure challenge and a cultural one.

We work alongside residents, businesses, schools, nonprofits, and governments to build communities with the infrastructural and cultural capacity to move belong a linear throwaway waste model and reduce reliance on disposable products. Since 2014, DFO has engaged more than 14,500 volunteers in removing over 75,000 pounds of debris from the environment, educated more than 14,700 students about plastic pollution and waste, hosted more than 500 zero waste events, and prevented the use of more than 2 million single-use plastic items through sustainability consulting.

About the Andrew Alessi Scholar Program

The Andrew Alessi Scholar program honors the life and legacy of Chef Andrew Michael Alessi, whose passions for culinary arts and ocean conservation continue to inspire others.

This competitive, paid leadership program provides university students with hands-on experience in community engagement, environmental education, public speaking, and advocacy. Scholars receive mentorship from local leaders while developing the skills necessary to create meaningful change in their communities. Two scholars will be selected annually.

Program Overview

The Andrew Alessi Scholar Program is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in conservation, sustainability, environmental policy, nonprofit leadership, education, or related fields.

Scholars begin the program with an intensive onboarding and training period focused on environmental communication, event organizing, community engagement, and policy. Following training, Scholars participate in community engagement activities throughout the academic year while working toward the completion of an independent capstone project.

Scholars are expected to demonstrate professionalism, initiative, reliability, and a commitment to sustainability throughout the program.

Program Requirements*

To successfully graduate from the Andrew Alessi Scholar Program, Scholars must complete the following requirements:

Community Engagement

• Lead or co-lead at least 2 cleanups in Miami-Dade County.
• Represent Debris Free Oceans at least 2 outreach or tabling events.

Education

• Coordinate and deliver at least 2 educational presentations for schools or community groups.

Advocacy

• Complete at least 2 policy engagement activities, such as:
  • Speaking at a public meeting
  • Meeting with elected officials
  • Writing a letter to decision-makers
  • Publishing an op-ed or letter to the editor
  • Supporting an environmental campaign

Professional Engagement

• Attendance at monthly Andrew Alessi Scholar Cohort meetings.
• Attendance at monthly one-on-one check-ins with their supervisor.

*Scholars must complete at least 8 approved engagement activities as set forth above throughout the duration of the program, including at least 1 approved engagement activity each Milestone Accomplishment Month.

Stipend

Scholars are eligible to receive a stipend of up to $2,500 in recognition of their active participation and successful completion of program requirements.

Stipend payments are distributed monthly throughout the academic year and are contingent upon active participation, timely submission of required reports, satisfactory progress toward program requirements, and successful completion of the capstone project.

To receive monthly stipend payments, Scholars must submit a brief activity recap for each completed engagement activity. Recaps should be approximately 500 words describing the activity, key outcomes, lessons learned, and personal reflections, along with at least 3 photographs and/or videos documenting participation.

Debris Free Oceans may publish and adapt submitted content for use in blogs, newsletters, reports, social media, and other communications materials. Scholars will be credited wherever practical.

Professional Development Opportunities

Scholars receive:

• Mentorship from non-profit and local leaders
• Public speaking and leadership development
• Networking opportunities with nonprofits, businesses, schools, and government agencies
• Experience planning and facilitating community events
• Engagement with environmental advocacy and policy
• Training in environmental education and outreach

Andrew Alessi Scholar Alumni Network

Upon graduation, Scholars become members of the Andrew Alessi Scholar Alumni Network, a growing community of environmental leaders connected through Debris Free Oceans and their commitment to advancing sustainability in South Florida and beyond. Alumni receive ongoing networking opportunities, invitations to special events and trainings, and priority consideration for future paid opportunities with Debris Free Oceans, including outreach, education, event support, and other project-based work.

Qualifications

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be enrolled in a college or university during the 2026-2027 academic year
• Be eligible to work in the United States
• Demonstrate an interest in conservation, sustainability, environmental policy, marine science, education, or a related field
• Possess strong communication and organizational skills
• Have reliable transportation within Miami-Dade County

Physical Requirements

Program activities may require:

• Standing for extended periods of time
• Working outdoors in heat, sun, rain, and other weather conditions
• Lifting and moving equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
• Safely handling and disposing of litter and waste materials
• Internship Timeline

How to Apply

After reviewing the job description above, all interested applicants should complete the online application form* by Sunday, July 5, 2026.

Applicants will be asked to submit:

• A completed application form, available at this link.
• A resume or curriculum vitae (PDF format)
• A Statement of Purpose (maximum 60 seconds) describing:
  • Relevant academic, volunteer, research, and/or professional experience.
  • Reason for interest in the program.
  • How this program aligns with future academic, personal, and professional goals.

Interviews will take place beginning the week of July 20, 2026. Selected candidates will be notified and extended an offer by August 7, 2026. Onboarding and training will begin the week of August 24, 2026.

Please direct any questions to: hello@debrisfreeoceans.org

*The online application form includes file uploads and therefore requires applicants to sign in to a Google account. If you require an alternative application format, please contact us at hello@debrisfreeoceans.org.

Debris Free Oceans is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.