The Environmental Fellows Program (EFP) at the Yale School of the Environment (YSE) is now accepting applications for its 2026 cohort. The program offers a 12-week funded summer fellowship designed to prepare future leaders in conservation, climate justice, and environmental equity.
Applications are open until January 4, 2026, with a priority deadline on December 1, 2025.
About the Environmental Fellows Program
The Environmental Fellows Program (EFP) helps master’s and doctoral students gain hands-on experience with environmental nonprofits, foundations, and government agencies. It aims to make careers in the environmental field more accessible to underrepresented students while building leadership and professional skills.
The initiative began as a collaboration between the University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability, the Environmental Grantmakers Association (EGA), and the C.S. Mott Foundation. Today, it continues under the leadership of Yale, supported by several philanthropic partners.
Program Objectives
The EFP seeks graduate students who:
- Want to expand their understanding of environmental issues and solutions.
- Aspire to strengthen their leadership and communication skills.
- We are passionate about equity, inclusion, and sustainability.
- Want to learn about environmental grantmaking and philanthropy.
- Aim to join a growing network of environmental professionals and change-makers.
Selected fellows will participate in conservation and justice-oriented projects, developing both professional experience and policy insight.
Also Apply For: Perry World House Lightning Scholar Fellowship 2026–2027 at UPenn
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the 2026 EFP, applicants must:
- Be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA/DREAMer students.
- Have completed at least one year of graduate study (master’s or doctoral level).
- Be currently enrolled in a graduate program or graduating in 2025–2026.
- International students are eligible only if enrolled at Yale University.
Application Requirements
A complete application includes:
- Online application form
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
- Graduate transcript
- Two letters of recommendation (submitted by January 4, 2026)
Applications submitted by December 1, 2025, will receive priority consideration.
Program Benefits
- Funded 12-week summer fellowship
- Mentorship from professionals in the environmental and philanthropic sectors
- Networking opportunities with leading organizations in conservation and sustainability
- Hands-on leadership and communication training
How to Apply
Interested applicants can apply through the official EFP website.
The Yale Environmental Fellows Program 2026 is an opportunity to join a community of passionate graduate students dedicated to advancing environmental justice, leadership, and sustainability on a global scale.
For inquiries, visit the Environmental Fellows Program platform.
