Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy (CGEP) has officially opened applications for the 2026 David Leuschen Global Energy Fellows Program. This year-long initiative is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in energy and climate policy by offering graduate students at Columbia University mentorship, research opportunities, and access to global energy experts.

The fellowship provides a unique platform for graduate students to deepen their understanding of critical energy issues, strengthen their professional skills, and engage with distinguished leaders shaping the future of energy and climate policy.

Program Overview

The David Leuschen Global Energy Fellows Program seeks to:

• Challenge Columbia students to think critically about pressing energy-related issues.

• Foster meaningful engagement between graduate students and CGEP scholars.

• Provide Columbia’s brightest energy-focused graduate students with practical opportunities to build their careers in energy and climate policy.

This fellowship combines academic rigor, mentorship, and real-world applications to prepare students for impactful careers in the rapidly evolving global energy landscape.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will gain access to a wide range of unique opportunities and professional development activities, including:

• Monthly Luncheons & Learning Sessions
  Fellows will attend exclusive luncheons and seminars with CGEP scholars and distinguished leaders in the energy field.

• One-on-One Mentorship
  Each fellow will work closely with a senior research scholar at CGEP. These roles are compensated, with fellows serving as Student Research Workers to gain hands-on experience in energy policy research.

• Networking & Career Development
  Fellows will be invited to curated networking events, gaining exposure to leading experts, policymakers, and professionals in the energy and climate sector.

• Summer Internship Opportunities
  Access to internships in the energy and climate space provides fellows with valuable professional experience and opportunities to apply their learning.

Eligibility Criteria

The program will accept 15 students for the 2026 cohort. To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must be enrolled full-time as a graduate student (including PhD) at Columbia University for the duration of the 2025–2026 academic year.

• Applicants’ graduation date must be May 2026 or later.

• Strong academic and professional track record, with demonstrated interest in global energy and climate policy.

• Commitment to contributing to diversity, inclusion, and interdisciplinary perspectives within the global energy system.

Students will be notified of their acceptance in October 2025.

Application Details

Applications are open until September 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST. To complete the application, students must submit the following through the online portal:

1. Personal Information – including name, contact details, UNI, and academic program details.

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) – uploaded in PDF, DOC, or DOCX format.

3. Essay Questions – Applicants must thoughtfully respond to a series of essay questions that will be evaluated for academic and professional achievement, communication skills, and interest in energy and climate issues:

   • Why do you want to be a Global Energy Fellow? (Maximum 400 words)

   • What do you see as the greatest challenge facing the global energy system over the next 10 years? (Maximum 800 words)

   • What energy topics are of particular interest to you? (Maximum 400 words)

4. Topics of Interest – Applicants must select up to three areas of focus, including:

   • Economic Security, Statecraft, and Energy

   • Trade and Clean Energy Transition

   • Critical Minerals and Supply Chains

   • AI and Energy Systems

   • Carbon Management

   • Energy for Development

5. Attestation – Applicants must confirm that they will be enrolled at Columbia University for the 2025–2026 academic year.

Selection Process

A selection committee at CGEP will review applications based on the following criteria:

• Track record of academic and professional achievement.

• Strong writing and communication skills.

• Demonstrated interest in energy and climate-related issues.

• Commitment to diversity and inclusion in energy systems.

Only complete applications will be considered.

Program Timeline

• Application Deadline: September 30, 2025

• Notification of Acceptance: October 2025

• Program Duration: Academic year 2025–2026

Contact Information

For questions regarding the fellowship or application process, please contact:

📧 cgepenergyfellows@columbia.edu

Conclusion

The 2026 David Leuschen Global Energy Fellows Program at Columbia University represents a unique opportunity for graduate students to deepen their expertise, expand their professional networks, and contribute to meaningful research at the intersection of energy and climate policy. By combining mentorship, academic rigor, and career-building opportunities, the fellowship ensures that its participants are well-positioned to become the next generation of energy leaders.

📌 Application Deadline: September 30, 2025

For more Information and Applications:

Visit HERE

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