For those passionate about sustainability and eager to make a meaningful impact, sustainability fellowships can offer invaluable support. These programs provide education, research opportunities, and hands-on experience, helping to build a solid foundation for a career in sustainability. Below are some standout fellowships across various categories:
Environmental leadership fellowships
Examples:
- Echoing green fellowship: This fellowship offers seed funding, training, and ongoing support to social entrepreneurs addressing urgent issues, including sustainability and environmental conservation.
- Kinship conservation fellowship: Designed for conservation leaders, this month-long program emphasizes leadership development, communication skills, and collaboration in conservation efforts.
Sustainability research fellowships
Examples:
- Smithsonian fellowships: offer in-residence opportunities for researchers to advance studies in climate change, environmental justice, and sustainability science, fostering innovative solutions for a resilient future.
- Fulbright-national geographic digital storytelling fellowship: This fellowship funds innovative research and storytelling projects that address global environmental issues, with a focus on effectively communicating sustainability challenges.
Government fellowships
Examples:
- EPA greater research opportunities (GRO) fellowships: Supporting undergraduate and graduate students, these fellowships focus on research in environmental science and related fields, including sustainability.
- NOAA sea grant john A. knauss marine policy fellowship: Graduate students interested in marine policy and sustainable management can gain valuable experience through this fellowship, which focuses on marine conservation issues.
Nonprofit fellowships
Examples:
- EDF climate corps fellowship: This program places graduate students in businesses and organizations to identify energy efficiency and sustainability solutions.
- WWF fellowships: Targeted at early-career conservationists from developing countries, this fellowship provides training and mentorship in wildlife conservation and sustainability.
Social entrepreneurship fellowships
Examples:
- Ashoka fellowship: Ashoka supports social entrepreneurs worldwide, including those focused on sustainability and environmental issues, with funding, mentorship, and a global network of peers.
- Unreasonable institute fellowship: Entrepreneurs tackling global challenges, including environmental sustainability, receive mentorship, training, and access to capital through this program.
Bonus resource:
Check this list from the Green Jobs Network for the most recent list of open opportunities.
Navigating your fellowship journey
The diversity of fellowship opportunities available to aspiring sustainability professionals is vast, ranging from research-focused programs to hands-on experiences in corporate, nonprofit, and government settings. As you explore these options, consider key factors such as eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and program benefits. Additionally, networking within the sustainability community can open doors to new opportunities and connect you with potential mentors and collaborators who can guide you on your journey.
Further reading: Our Free Green Resources library