The Switzer Fellowship Program offers one-year fellowships to highly talented graduate students in New England and California whose studies and career goals are directed toward environmental improvement and who clearly demonstrate leadership in their field.
Environmental science, policy, conservation, environmental justice, public health, economics, journalism, urban planning, business, law
The fellowship includes a $17,000 cash award to be paid in two installments, in June and January. Fellows are expected to participate in two multiday retreats which focus on building connections among fellows and provide fundamental leadership skills development. Applicants for the fellowship must be able to commit to attending the retreats during their fellowship year. The Switzer Fellowship also offers a variety of professional and leadership development resources to fellows throughout their careers, as described below.
US Citizen
Any
- Applicants must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient, or a refugee or asylee according to the definition provided by the United States Department of Homeland Security (international students are ineligible.)
- Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited graduate institution in California or one of the six New England states (ME, NH, VT, MA, CT, RI) and plan to be enrolled as for the entire 2025-2026 academic year.
- Applicants must have strong academic qualifications, with academic and career goals focused on environmental improvement.
- Master’s degree candidates (including J.D. students) must have completed at least one semester or quarter of course work to apply, and they must be seeking a Master’s as their terminal degree.
- Master’s degree students planning to pursue a Ph.D. are advised to wait until they are in their Ph.D. program to apply.
- Individuals enrolled in one-year Master’s degree programs may apply prior to enrollment, but must be formally accepted into their program to be eligible for a Switzer Fellowship interview (held in May).
- Ph.D. candidates must have completed at least three years of doctoral work or plan to have passed their qualifying exams by July 1, 2025.
- Mid-career students are encouraged to apply and must demonstrate how their academic program will enhance their effectiveness as an environmental leader.