The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) Climate Corps is now accepting applications for its Summer 2026 cohort, offering graduate students an unparalleled opportunity to make a tangible impact on climate action and sustainability. Since its inception, EDF Climate Corps has placed over 1,900 fellows in leading organizations across the United States, equipping them to advance corporate sustainability, reduce emissions, and accelerate progress toward net-zero goals.

Program Overview

EDF Climate Corps is a premier fellowship program connecting passionate graduate students with forward-thinking host organizations. Fellows work on high-impact projects that address urgent climate challenges, including:

• Developing and implementing climate action roadmaps
• Reducing energy consumption and improving efficiency
• Procuring renewable energy and electrifying vehicle fleets
• Supporting climate disclosures and supplier engagement strategies

Through the fellowship, participants gain hands-on experience, access to industry mentors, and a strong professional network within the sustainability and energy transition sectors.

Host Locations and Work Options

Fellows are hosted by major organizations in cities like Boston, Chicago, New York City, and San Francisco, with flexible remote, hybrid, and in-person options available. Each fellow is carefully matched with a host based on their academic background, professional interests, and the host’s sustainability priorities.

Fellowship Duration and Training

Duration: 10–12 weeks (Summer 2026)

Foundations Week Training: Late May 2026

Fellows must participate in EDF’s Foundations Week before beginning their placement. This week provides essential training in sustainability strategy, climate data analysis, and project management.

Compensation

EDF requires that all host organizations compensate fellows with a minimum of $1,400 per week for the duration of the fellowship, plus an additional $1,400 for Foundations Week. Some hosts may offer relocation support depending on their policy.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be graduate students (MBA, MPA, MPP, MEM, MS, or similar programs).
• Fellows must be based in the U.S. for the duration of the program.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not required.
• Fellows should demonstrate strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills and a passion for advancing climate solutions.

Key Deliverables

At the end of the fellowship, fellows are expected to deliver a comprehensive set of outputs, including:

• A final presentation to the EDF engagement manager
• A public project summary for EDF’s online Project Database
• A final report with data analysis, methodology, and recommendations
• Participation in post-fellowship impact surveys

EDF provides continuous support through engagement managers, professional resources, and a collaborative cohort model throughout the fellowship period.

Why Join the EDF Climate Corps?

Becoming an EDF Climate Corps fellow means joining a prestigious network of sustainability professionals driving measurable climate action across sectors. Alumni have gone on to lead sustainability initiatives in corporations, governments, and non-profits worldwide.

If you’re a graduate student passionate about climate innovation, or an organization ready to accelerate your sustainability goals, the EDF Climate Corps Fellowship 2026 is your opportunity to make a difference.

Application Deadlines

Fellow Applications: December 22, 2025 (11:59 PM PT)

Apply here: Application

For more information: tfaforms.com/5190724

For more opportunities explore: Opportunities for Youth