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Call for Applications for the YSE Environmental Fellows Program 2026 is Open!!!
Environmental Fellows Program (EFP) at the Yale School of the Environment (YSE) is a 12-week paid internship (May-August) summer conservation leadership pathway fellowship that seeks to increase career accessibility within the environmental field by cultivating the skills and aspirations of master’s and doctoral students by connecting them to work opportunities in environmental nonprofits, grant makers, and government sectors.
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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.
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The Environmental Fellows Program is looking for future leaders and decision-makers in the rapidly changing fields of conservation, justice, equity, and philanthropy. We are looking for graduate students who:
- want to broaden their environmental knowledge and perspectives;
- want to build their leadership and communication skills;
- 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.
Even though the deadline is until January 4, 2026, the priority deadline is on December 1, 2025.
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
Once the applications are completed, a committee convenes to deliberate and decide which candidates proceed. Successful applicants are then asked to rank their top choices for fellowship placement, though they are not guaranteed a placement at any particular site. Finally, applicants are accepted contingent upon the placement matching process and final approval from the host organization.
The Environmental 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 (early May)
- summer skills and professional workshops
After completing the program, alumni are invited to attend the New Horizons in Conservation Convening.
Location:
United StatesBenefits
- Competitive base stipend of $15,000 plus $1,500 – $2,500 in supplementary support for travel, housing, and potential internship needs
- Orientation to help participants navigate their work sites, including an introduction to philanthropy.
- Fellows are placed across the nation at nationally recognized nonprofits, social justice organizations, philanthropic organizations, environmental media outlets, policy think tanks, governmental institutions, and grassroots environmental organizations.
- Professional development opportunities with environmental professionals at host sites at the annual New Horizons in Conservation Conference.
- Access to and help build a robust alumni network of young professionals in the environmental field.
- Access to mentoring, career counseling, and advice on navigating the job market.
- Receive information about jobs and updates about other program alumni.
Eligibilities
- Must have 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 bachelor’s degree.
- Must be currently enrolled in a graduate program (those graduating in 2025-2026 academic year for the 2026 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
- No international students outside of Yale University are eligible at this time
Application Process
- Applicants are required to sign in or create an account and submit the application form by providing necessary information and documents in the “apply link” below :
- Application form
- A curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
- Graduate school transcript
- Two letters of recommendation
Application Deadline: January 5, 2026 (3 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
