The TRAIL Network
Walking around the UNH campus on any given day, you'll find COLSA students conducting research alongside faculty, meeting with career advisors in the St. Martin Career Exploration Office, milking cows in the dairy barn, and studying tree growth in College Woods. Others are thousands of miles from campus — in countries such as Italy, Namibia, and New Zealand — immersing themselves in new cultures through experiential learning opportunities.
While experiential learning has long been a defining part of the COLSA student experience, Jesse Stabile Morrell ’99, ’04G, ’13G, associate dean for academic affairs, recognized an opportunity to raise awareness of those experiences and help students connect with them more easily.
To address that challenge, COLSA launched the TRAIL Network last fall. The TRAIL Network serves as the college's centralized hub for experiential learning opportunities. TRAIL stands for training, research, adventure, internships, and experiential learning. Through the network, every student can chart a personalized path through meaningful experiences that build skills, confidence, and professional connections.
The impact of these beyond-the-classroom experiences the college is known for is clear: According to the 2025 First Destination Survey, 93% of COLSA graduates reported being employed or continuing their education.
"Ultimately, the goal of the TRAIL Network is to help COLSA students get the most out of experiential learning opportunities so they graduate ready for whatever comes next," says Stabile Morrell.
As the network continues to grow, it aims to ensure every COLSA student can access the experiences that help turn their passions into career readiness.
Changemaker Fellowship
For students interested in sustainability, UNH is a great university for many reasons. One of the best: the Changemaker Fellowship, a sustainability program open to all first-year students, regardless of major.
The Changemaker Fellowship is a program tailored to first-year students who want to turn their passion into action. By participating in the fellowship, students gain valuable leadership skills, build a supportive network of like-minded peers, and develop the tools and confidence needed to turn their ideas into reality.
Fellows are paired with a Changemaker Coach, a UNH student with experience in the program. Fellows also participate in monthly workshops and training sessions, plan and participate in community service, and build connections and skills.
After students are admitted to UNH, they receive an email from the admissions department inviting them to apply.
Have a sustainability-minded young person in your life? Encourage them to explore all UNH has to offer.