Switzer Fellowship Program
The Switzer Fellowship offers one-year fellowships to highly talented graduate students from diverse academic and personal backgrounds in New England and California whose studies and career goals are directed toward environmental improvement and who clearly demonstrate leadership in their field.
Through the Switzer Fellowship, the foundation supports environmental leaders for the 21st century who have the ability, determination and integrity to effect positive change. Only the most active, committed and focused individuals will compete successfully to join the Switzer Network of nearly 700 fellows selected since 1986.
Switzer Fellows are on the leading edge of environmental and social change through efforts in environmental science, policy, justice, public health, economics, journalism, urban planning, business, law and more. Switzer Fellows come from diverse social, academic and economic backgrounds. They are committed to interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral work, applied results, and collaborative leadership. Further, they are committed to their own professional development and to continually improving their leadership skills throughout their careers.
1 year
$15,000USD
The fellowship includes a $15,000 cash award, leadership training, access to a vibrant network of nearly 700 Switzer Fellowship alums, and opportunities for professional development and grants beyond the fellowship year.
Applicants for a Switzer Fellowship must:
be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient (international students are ineligible);
be enrolled in an accredited graduate institution ONLY in California or one of the six New England states (ME, NH, VT, MA, CT, RI) and plan to be enrolled as a full-time student for the entire 2021-2022 academic year;
have very strong academic qualifications, with academic and career goals focused on environmental improvement.
Master’s degree candidates (including JD students) must have completed at least one semester or quarter of course work to apply, and be seeking the Master’s as their terminal degree.
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).
Master’s degree students planning to pursue a Ph.D. are advised to wait until they are in their Ph.D. program to apply.
Applicants at the Ph.D. level must plan to have completed at least three years of doctoral work or plan to have passed their qualifying exams by July 1, 2021. Ph.D. candidates with a clear research and career focus are more competitive than individuals who are still undecided or early in their academic program.
Midcareer students are welcome to apply and must demonstrate how their academic program will enhance their effectiveness as an environmental leader.
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