The Switzer Fellowship is a one-year graduate fellowship supporting emerging and established environmental leaders across a broad range of disciplines. The fellowship has expanded nationwide and is no longer restricted to applicants studying in New England or California.
Switzer Fellows work in areas including: Environmental science, Public policy, Environmental justice, Public health, Economics, Advocacy, Planning, Business, Law, Research and academia.
Why You Should Apply
Benefit
Description
$18,000 Award
Unrestricted cash award
Leadership Development
Two multi-day retreats
Career Coaching
Professional guidance
Switzer Network
800+ environmental leaders
Future Grants
Additional funding opportunities
National Reach
Open to all U.S. states
What Does the Switzer Fellowship Provide?
1. $18,000 Unrestricted Cash Award
Detail
Information
Amount
$18,000
Payment
Two installments (June and January)
Use
Tuition, fees, living expenses, research, education-related costs
2. Leadership Development
Detail
Information
Retreats
Two multi-day retreats (September and April)
Focus
Cohort building, networking, equity-centered leadership, skills development
3. Career Coaching
Detail
Information
Support
Career coaching and leadership guidance
Access
During fellowship year and beyond
Goal
Leadership opportunities and network connections
4. Switzer Network Membership
Detail
Information
Members
800+ fellows since 1986
Activities
Professional networking, job sharing, webinars, training, social gatherings
Benefit
Lifelong access
5. Future Grant Opportunities
Detail
Information
Access
After fellowship year
Types
Leadership and professional development grants
Who Can Apply?
Criteria
Requirements
Citizenship
U.S. citizen, permanent resident, DACA recipient, refugee, or asylee
Enrollment
Accredited graduate institution in U.S. or U.S. territories
Program
Not enrolled in online program
Academic Year
Plan to remain enrolled throughout 2027–2028
Master's Students
Requirement
Description
Coursework
Completed at least one semester/quarter
Terminal Degree
Master's is terminal degree
Exception
One-year Master's may apply before enrollment
PhD Students
Requirement
Description
Qualifying Exams
Must have completed by time of application
Research Focus
Clearly defined
Mid-Career Applicants
Requirement
Description
Application
Encouraged to apply
Demonstration
How academic program strengthens environmental leadership
U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA recipients, refugees, asylees.
Q3. What academic levels are eligible?
Master's, JD, PhD students.
Q4. What are the benefits?
$18,000 + Leadership development + Career coaching + Network.
Q5. What are the selection criteria?
Environmental commitment, leadership, social equity, collaboration.
Q6. How many fellows are selected?
Approximately 20 per year.
Q7. When do applications open?
September 2026.
Q8. Is there a specific deadline?
Check official website when applications open.
Q9. What is the Switzer Network?
800+ environmental leaders.
Q10. Are retreats required?
Yes, two multi-day retreats.
CareerFlora Expert Insight
The Switzer Fellowship offers a prestigious opportunity for graduate students committed to environmental leadership and social equity. With an $18,000 unrestricted award, leadership development retreats, career coaching, and lifelong access to a network of 800+ environmental leaders, the fellowship provides comprehensive support for emerging changemakers.
The fellowship's emphasis on applied problem-solving, interdisciplinary collaboration, and social equity makes it ideal for students working on practical environmental solutions that benefit communities.
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