Overview

The Environmental Fellows Program (EFP) at the Yale School of the Environment (YSE) is a 12-week summer fellowship designed to build pathways into leadership and conservation careers. The program supports master’s and doctoral students in gaining valuable experience in environmental nonprofits, grantmaking institutions, and government agencies.

The fellowship seeks to broaden access to environmental careers, especially for students committed to justice, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in environmental leadership.

The program was established through a collaboration between the University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability, the Environmental Grantmakers Association (EGA), and the C. S. Mott Foundation, and is supported by several philanthropic organizations.

12-Week Summer Conservation Leadership Fellowship

Application Deadline: January 4, 2026
Priority Deadline: December 1, 2025
Location: United States (various host sites)
Program Dates: Summer 2026
Organized by: Yale School of the Environment (YSE)

Program Goals

EFP aims to identify and develop a diverse network of future leaders and decision-makers in the fields of conservation, environmental justice, and philanthropy.

Fellows will:

• Gain hands-on experience through 12-week summer placements.
• Strengthen their leadership, communication, and professional skills.
• Learn about environmental grantmaking and its local and global impacts.
• Contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable environmental sector.
• Join an expanding network of environmental professionals.

Depending on availability, returning fellows may be invited to participate in the program for a second year.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Have completed at least one year of graduate or doctoral study by the start of the fellowship.
• Be currently enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program.
• Be graduating in 2025 or 2026 (students graduating in these academic years remain eligible).
• Be available to participate full-time (40 hours/week) for the 12-week program, including required orientation and the New Horizons in Conservation convening.
• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA/DREAMer.
  • International students enrolled at Yale University are eligible to apply.
  • International students studying elsewhere are not eligible at this time.

Application Requirements

A complete application includes the following:

1. Online Application Form (via Submittable portal)
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
3. Graduate School Transcript (unofficial transcripts accepted)
4. Two Letters of Recommendation (from academic or professional mentors; family and friends not permitted)

Note: All recommendation letters must be submitted by January 4, 2026. Applicants are responsible for ensuring their letters are uploaded by the deadline.

Key Dates

• Application Opens: September 22, 2025
• Priority Deadline: December 1, 2025 (11:59 p.m. EST)
• Final Deadline: January 4, 2026 (11:59 p.m. EST)

How to Apply

Applications are submitted via Submittable, where you can create an account, save your progress, and return to complete your application.

👉 Apply here: environmentalfellows.yale.edu
For questions, contact: efp@yale.edu

About the Organizers

The Yale School of the Environment (YSE) is one of the world’s leading institutions advancing research, education, and practice in sustainability, conservation, and environmental justice. The Environmental Fellows Program reflects YSE’s commitment to preparing the next generation of diverse, equity-minded environmental leaders.

Program Type: Fellowship
Duration: 12 weeks (summer 2026)
Focus Areas: Environmental leadership, conservation, equity, justice, philanthropy
Host Institutions: Environmental nonprofits, foundations, and government agencies

Stay on Opportunities for Youth for more opportunities