Deadline: January 4, 2026
Are you passionate about environmental justice, conservation leadership, and advancing equity in the environmental sector? The Environmental Fellows Program at the Yale School of the Environment 2026 offers a prestigious 12-week summer fellowship that equips emerging environmental professionals with the skills, experience, and mentorship needed to launch impactful careers in sustainability, policy, and environmental philanthropy.
About the Environmental Fellows Program
The Environmental Fellows Program (EFP) at the Yale School of the Environment (YSE) is a 12-week summer fellowship designed to increase access and representation in the environmental field. The programme focuses on nurturing talented master’s and doctoral students, providing them with hands-on experience, professional development, and networking opportunities within environmental nonprofits, philanthropic foundations, and government agencies.
Through intensive mentoring and real-world project placements, fellows gain the opportunity to explore career paths that integrate environmental justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) principles with practical conservation leadership.
Programme Timeline
- Priority Application Deadline: Monday, 1 December 2025
- Final Application Deadline: Sunday, 4 January 2026
- Programme Duration: 12 weeks during Summer 2026
- Work Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
Applicants are encouraged to apply by the priority deadline to increase their chances of selection.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Environmental Fellows Program at the Yale School of the Environment 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be currently enrolled in a graduate (master’s or doctoral) programme or completing studies in the 2025-2026 academic year.
- Must have completed at least one year of graduate or doctoral coursework by the start of the fellowship.
- Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA/DREAMer.
- International students are not eligible, except those currently enrolled at Yale University.
- Be available for full-time participation (40 hours/week) during the entire 12-week fellowship, including orientation and the New Horizons in Conservation convening.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following materials:
- Completed online application form via Submittable.
- Graduate-level transcript (unofficial copies are accepted).
- Two letters of recommendation.
- Current CV or résumé.
Benefits of the Fellowship
The Environmental Fellows Program at the Yale School of the Environment 2026 provides a unique opportunity to:
- Gain hands-on experience in environmental conservation, philanthropy, and policy sectors.
- Work within leading organisations that partner with the Yale School of the Environment.
- Build a professional network of peers, mentors, and leaders advancing environmental equity.
- Develop leadership and technical skills through workshops, mentorship, and collaborative projects.
- Strengthen commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in environmental work.
- Earn recognition and affiliation with one of the world’s most respected environmental institutions — Yale University.
Why You Should Apply
This programme is an exceptional opportunity for graduate students committed to advancing environmental leadership through a justice-centred lens. The EFP helps bridge the gap between academic research and applied practice, enabling fellows to develop the competencies needed to lead in the environmental, nonprofit, and public policy sectors.
For grant writers, environmental advocates, and students, the Environmental Fellows Program also offers a model of how academic-to-practice fellowships can transform environmental leadership pipelines.
Tips for Applicants
- Apply early: Submitting by the priority deadline (1 December 2025) demonstrates preparation and ensures timely consideration.
- Highlight your leadership vision: Emphasise your commitment to environmental equity and justice in your personal statement.
- Show readiness for impact: Describe how your research or professional background aligns with environmental leadership, conservation, and policy.
- Tailor your references: Choose recommenders who can speak to your potential for leadership and contribution to environmental justice.
Final Thoughts
The Environmental Fellows Program at the Yale School of the Environment 2026 is more than a summer fellowship — it is a pathway for emerging leaders to reimagine the environmental movement through diversity, inclusion, and equity. Participants will leave the programme equipped to drive change and advance sustainability in impactful ways across communities and organisations.
If you are a passionate graduate student ready to make a lasting environmental impact, this programme is your gateway to meaningful leadership.
📘 Read more about the Programme
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