About the Grant Program
Through HELI, Iowa Law continues to support students passionate about public interest and public service careers in environmental law by providing summer stipends that make these experiences possible. Over the past three years, the HELI team has built and strengthened partnerships with a broader range of environmental organizations whose work focuses on issues relevant to Iowa and neighboring states.
2026 Summer Grants Recap
11
82 %
7
2026 Summer Grant Program
Meet the 2026 Summer Grant Recipients
Signe Dobbs
"In this role, I will research and draft language for environmental policies for the City of St. Louis, particularly MCE’s Extreme Heat Policy Plan. My objective this summer will be to draft policies that are inclusive of the views and needs of local communities and address the issue from a human rights perspective."
Maeve Dunne
"This summer, I will conduct research as an intern with Indigenous People’s Rights International in the Philippines, supporting cases submitted to the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention that examine the impacts of arbitrary detention on Indigenous communities."
Kyle Finn
"I will be working for the Iowa Environmental Council as a Summer Law Clerk working on researching/engaging with water quality laws, Iowa Utilities Commission proceedings, environmental justice, new legislation, and other environmental issues."
Angela Jang
"I will be helping the Sierra Club challenge the reopening of several nuclear power plants in the Midwest, including the Duane Arnold and Palisades nuclear power plants."
Sean Hilzendeger
"I have previous experience in clean energy research and public health projects. I felt that there was a greater need for advocacy to push environmental reform so I came to law school to become an advocate."
John Kirchner
"I will be working with The Nature Conservancy this summer, contributing to policy research and legislative reform efforts here in Iowa. The policy targets in Iowa, for 2026, include defending conservation, improving water quality, and facilitating renewable energy deployment."
Megan LeBlanc
"I am drawn to public interest environmental work because environmental law intersects with many fundamental human rights, such as clean air, water, and a healthy climate for generations to come."
Cade Rempel Fisher
"I'm interested in the intersection of human rights and environmental work, specifically environmental justice. This position with the Sierra Club will show me what it's like to work with a national organization on broad issues related to climate change."
Eli Redington
"I will be working with the Iowa Environmental Council as a Law Clerk. I will be going to Iowa DNR and state agency hearings, preforming legal research, and providing legal input on projects about Iowa's environment and energy grid."
Tiffany Touma
"I was drawn into environmental and public interest work by the people! These legal fields are informed by hard-working, passionate advocates who care deeply about the real-world impact of the law."
All Summer Grant Programs
