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. The fellowship includes a $17,000 cash award, leadership training, access to a vibrant network of Switzer Fellowship alums, and opportunities for professional development and grants beyond the fellowship year.
Through the Switzer Fellowship, the Robert and Patricia Switzer 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 more than 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. Please check out the 2022 Switzer Fellows for examples of the breadth of expertise and disciplines of our fellows.
Completed applications (including all supporting documents) are due by 8:59 p.m. PST/11:59 p.m. EST on January 9, 2023.
1 year
$17,000
Applicants for a Switzer Fellowship must:
- 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 2024-2025 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, 2024.
- Mid-career students are encouraged to apply and must demonstrate how their academic program will enhance their effectiveness as an environmental leader.
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