The Switzer Foundation is accepting applications for the 2027 Switzer Environmental Fellowships.

Switzer Fellowships are given to graduate students who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential and commitment to a career in environmental improvement. Fellowships are now open to students throughout the United States and U.S. territories!

The Switzer Fellowship includes:

  •  A one-year $18,000 unrestricted cash award.
  • Two multi-day leadership training and cohort-building retreats.
  • Access to other grant programs and career support; and
  • Engagement with the Switzer Network, an active community of 800+ environmental leaders in the U.S. and around the world.

Switzer Fellows bring a variety of backgrounds and life experiences to their work. Students of color, first-generation college and graduate students, and students from groups traditionally underrepresented in environmental graduate programs are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Please see the call for applications for a candidate profile and 2026 Switzer Fellows for examples of the breadth of topics and expertise of Switzer Fellows. 

The application deadline is Monday, December 14, 2026 at 11:59 pm Pacific Standard time. The fellowship program guidelines will contain links to the application form and instructions. 

Switzer staff and recent fellows will be holding an information session on November 18th at Noon – 1 pm PST / 3-4 pm EST. 

Eligibility 

  • 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 the United States or U.S. territories. (The fellowship is no longer limited to applicants in New England and California.) Students in online programs are not eligible to apply.
  • Applicants must plan to be enrolled for the entire 2027-2028 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 by the end of 2026 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).
  • REVISED: Ph.D. candidates must have completed their qualifying exams by time of application.
  • Mid-career students are encouraged to apply and must demonstrate how their academic program will enhance their effectiveness as an environmental leader.