10 Environmental Fellowships for Young Professionals and Graduate Students

If you’re passionate about the environment and looking to build a meaningful career in climate action, sustainability, conservation, or environmental journalism, these 10 environmental fellowships offer excellent opportunities to gain hands-on experience, professional training, and financial support. Open to graduate students, early-career professionals, and emerging leaders, these programs range from summer placements to full-year commitments, supporting a wide variety of interests, including public policy and research, startup innovation, and media. Explore the list below and create a free ProFellow account to bookmark your favorites and stay on top of deadlines.

Planet Reimagined New Futures Fellowship

The New Futures Fellowship by Planet Reimagined is a paid, fully virtual, full-time program that spans three months, bringing together global teams of undergraduate and graduate students to work on climate justice projects. Fellows come from a range of disciplines, including science, social science, journalism, the arts, and advocacy, and contribute to active research initiatives. They receive professional training in public communication, storytelling, digital media, and advocacy, along with mentorship from experts across sectors. Fellows produce policy briefs, case studies, multimedia content, and advocacy strategies that are shared through Planet Reimagined’s networks. The 2025 fellowship themes include clean energy workforce development, climate advocacy in professional sports, and youth-focused solutions in the Mississippi, Danube, and Mekong River Deltas.

Merlyn Climate Grants

Merlyn Climate Grants supports youth climate leaders ages 13 to 30 in New England and New York by providing funding for projects that inspire advocacy and action. Grant recipients have launched initiatives such as public speaking workshops, climate-focused podcasts, youth magazines, demonstrations, and educational programs. The program empowers young changemakers to shape their climate future through leadership and creativity. Merlyn Climate Grants also hosts the Climate Future Film Festival to raise awareness and support for its mission, with participation from prominent environmental advocates.

USDN Equity Diversity Inclusion Fellowship

The USDN Equity Diversity Inclusion (EDI) Fellowship is a full-time, 12-week summer program that offers hands-on experience in local government sustainability initiatives while addressing the underrepresentation of people of color in the sustainability field. Open to a wide range of applicants, from college students to mid-career professionals, the fellowship places individuals in cities such as Boise, ID, and Fort Collins, CO, to work on impactful projects that advance community equity and climate goals. Fellows receive a living wage, mentorship from USDN staff and peers, access to a national network of sustainability professionals, and free attendance at the USDN Annual Meeting. The program fosters professional growth while empowering fellows to help shape more inclusive and sustainable cities.

MIT Climate & Energy Prize

The MIT Climate & Energy Prize (CEP) is the world’s largest and longest-running competition for student-led startups addressing climate and energy challenges. Open to university students globally (not just from MIT), the competition awards over $100,000 in non-dilutive funding, along with expert mentorship, networking opportunities, and visibility. Since its founding in 2007, CEP has supported over 315 teams, helping launch more than 220 startups that have gone on to raise over $4.6 billion in follow-on funding. Participants advance through virtual and in-person rounds held in the U.S. and internationally, culminating in a Grand Final in Boston. CEP empowers young entrepreneurs to develop impactful, scalable solutions that accelerate the transition to net zero.

Kinship Conservation Fellowship

At Kinship, we believe in investing in individuals with the potential to advance the future of conservation. We do this by selecting the best and the brightest and awarding them a $8,000 stipend and a month of valuable, cutting-edge training. In return, we ask Fellows to invest a month of their time with us. Our month-long curriculum is delivered by a faculty of global experts who work closely with each carefully selected cohort of Fellows to explore fresh ways to apply market-based approaches to environmental concerns. The Fellows are mid-career conservation professionals with five or more years of experience.

Lone Mountain Fellowships

Lone Mountain Fellowships provide a unique opportunity for scholars, journalists, policymakers, and environmentalists to deepen our understanding of the role of markets and property rights in protecting and enhancing environmental resources. Lone Mountain Fellows are residents at PERC in Bozeman, Montana, for periods ranging from a week to a year, depending on the nature of their projects. Stipends for Lone Mountain Fellows vary with the nature of the work, duration of residence at PERC, and the Fellow’s qualifications.

Mickey Leland International Hunger Fellows Program

During each two-year fellowship cycle, 12-15 Leland Fellows are placed with international development organizations, including global and local NGOs, U.S. government agencies, and multilateral organizations. Host organizations in the past have included Concern Worldwide, the UN World Food Program, Catholic Relief Services, Mercy Corps, and many more. Fellows work on a variety of food security issues, such as agricultural development, nutrition, natural resource management, agribusiness development, and women’s empowerment. Includes a monthly stipend, health insurance, and travel expenses.

EDF Climate Corps Fellows

EDF Climate Corps seeks top graduate students studying business, engineering, sustainability, environmental management, public policy, or other relevant degrees, who are eligible to work in the United States. Over 10-12 weeks, EDF Climate Corps fellows are embedded within leading organizations to identify customized energy management solutions. Fellows are paid $1,400/week and reimbursed for travel expenses to the May training and fall Energy Solutions Exchange (network) event.

CivicSpark AmeriCorps

CivicSpark is a Governor’s Initiative AmeriCorps program in California dedicated to building capacity for local governments to address climate change. Fellows have the chance to gain valuable experience in their field, build office professional skills, and develop a strong network while creating a lasting difference. The program offers two fellowship tracks: the CivicSpark Climate Action Fellowship (48 fellows) and the CivicSpark Water Action Fellowship. Fellows received a $35,000 Living Allowance (before taxes) spread evenly over 11 months; a Segal Education Award of $7,395 after service; and health insurance, among other benefits.

Ted Scripps Fellows in Environmental Journalism

This flexible, non-degree program allows fellows to tailor these resources to meet their needs and interests. Fellows deepen their knowledge of the environment through courses, weekly seminars, and field trips. Fellows will receive a total of $80,000 for the 9-month academic year, covering tuition, recreation, and computer fees. The program is open to all full-time U.S. print or broadcast journalists interested in deepening and broadening their knowledge of environmental issues. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, have a minimum of 5 years of full-time professional journalism experience, and have completed an undergraduate degree.

To apply for these fellowships, create a free ProFellow account to bookmark them and stay updated on their deadlines!

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