Applications are now open for the Yale Environmental Fellows Program for for future leaders and decision-makers
Closing Date: 8 December 2024
Applications are now open for the Yale Environmental Fellows Program for for future leaders and decision-makers
Background
The Environmental Fellows Program (EFP) at the Yale School of the Environment (YSE) is a 12-week summer fellowship opportunity that seeks to diversify the environmental field by cultivating the career aspirations of master’s and doctoral students from historically underrepresented groups by connecting students to work opportunities in environmental nonprofits, grant makers, and government sectors.
This program arose out of a collaboration between University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability, the Environmental Grantmakers Association (EGA), and the C. S. Mott Foundation. The collaborators recognized the need for a program to identify and train diverse students to work in environmental and philanthropic sectors. This fellowship is supported by several philanthropic organizations.
The Environmental Fellows Program is looking for future leaders and decision-makers in the rapidly changing fields of conservation, justice, equity, and philanthropy. The program is looking for graduate students who:
- want to broaden their environmental knowledge and perspectives;
- want to build their leadership and communication skills;
- who want to gain valuable work experience;
- are passionate about diversifying the environmental field;
- are committed to supporting and advocating for the principles of equity and inclusion;
- are interested in learning about environmental grantmaking and its impacts on local, national, and international environmental work;
- want to be a part of an emerging network.
Program Overview
The Fellows Program has the following components:
- a paid, 12-week internship (May-August)
- Students are usually placed in mainstream environmental organizations, nonprofits, social justice organizations, philanthropic organizations, environmental media outlets, policy think tanks, governmental institutions, or grassroots environmental organizations.
- a pre-summer orientation (late April)
- summer skills and professional workshops
After completing the program, alumni are invited to attend the New Horizons in Conservation Conference. This annual conference is held in late April in places like Washington, D.C. and Chicago.
Funding
Accepted students will receive a base stipend of $15,000 paid in regular disbursements throughout the summer, as well $1,500 – $2,500 in supplementary funds for travel, equipment, attire, etc. as required for their fellowship.
Program Expectations
During the fellowship, host site mentors will meet regularly with fellows to discuss work progress. Over the course of the program, fellows are expected to:
- complete the pre- and post-program evaluations,
- write a journal reflection,
- present on their summer experience at the capstone symposium
- conduct at least one informational interview,
- participate in program webinars,
- fulfill the requirements of their host sites
Eligibility
- An interest in the environment
- Must have finished at least one year of graduate or doctoral study by the start of your summer placement and have at least a bachelors degree
- Must be currently enrolled in a graduate program (those graduating in 2024-2025 academic year for the 2025 cohort are still eligible)
- Must be available to participate fully during the 12 weeks of programing, 40 hours per week, as well as events during orientation and the New Horizons in Conservation convening
- A U.S. citizen, permanent resident or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA/DREAMers) if applying outside of Yale University
- The program is unable to host international students outside of Yale University at this time
Application Requirements
- Fill out the general application form online.
- Provide your transcripts on the form. You can request a copy from your school or scan a PDF. Upload them where the application form requests transcripts.
- Have two people who can serve as references submit letters of recommendation.
If you need to edit your application, do not upload a new version. Email staff at [email protected] for assistance.
To Apply
Use the Submittable application portal. You will be directed to sign in or create an account. You are able to save and return to your application at a later time.
EFP 2025 Application opens: Tuesday, October 1st
EFP 2025 Priority: Sunday, December 8th
EFP 2025 Final Deadline: Sunday, January 7th
Click Here To Apply
Follow Opportunities For Everyone on Social Media
