The Octavia E. Butler Fellowship Program 2025
- Omran Aburayya
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
If you're a graduate student or recent postgraduate passionate about climate justice and community engagement, the Octavia E. Butler Fellowship Program 2025 offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in climate policy and energy solutions. Applications are now open for this 12-week, paid fellowship hosted by EcoHealth Strategies in Chicago, Illinois. This program is designed to empower emerging leaders committed to equitable climate action.
🎓Octavia E. Butler Fellowship Summary
Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA (In-person, with some reimbursed travel)
Host Organization: EcoHealth Strategies
Academic Level: Graduate students or recent Master's/PhD graduates
Target Group: Individuals in public policy, environmental science, urban planning, sustainability, or related fields
Fields of Focus: Climate policy, energy justice, community-based research
Award Value: $7,500 stipend for the summer placement
Duration: 12 weeks (June 2 – August 23, 2025), with potential extension
Application Deadline: May 16, 2025
Start Date: June 2, 2025
Eligibility: Graduate students or recent graduates based in Chicago
🧭 Fellowship Overview
Named in honor of science fiction writer Octavia E. Butler, a pioneer of Afrofuturism, this fellowship embodies the intersection of storytelling, justice, and technology. EcoHealth Strategies, a climate consultancy founded in 2023, specializes in policy strategy, public engagement, and program design for climate solutions. The fellowship offers participants the chance to work on real-world projects related to clean energy, climate mitigation, and resilience planning.
Fellows will engage in activities such as data collection, cost/benefit analysis, stakeholder engagement, policy research, and the development of reports and communication materials. They will also attend community meetings, workshops, and industry events, and utilize tools like ArcGIS for data visualization.
🎁 Fellowship Benefits
Stipend: $7,500 for the summer placement
Professional Experience: Hands-on work in climate policy and community-based research
Networking: Opportunities to connect with industry professionals, stakeholders, and community leaders
Skill Development: Enhancement of research, data analysis, and communication skills
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Academic Background: Current graduate students or recent Master's/PhD graduates in relevant fields
Location: Based in Chicago with the ability to attend in-person events
Skills: Proficiency in quantitative data tools and analytical methods; strong research, writing, and communication skills
Attributes: Self-starter, detail-oriented, comfortable in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
Interpersonal Skills: Ability to engage with multi-sector stakeholders
📝 Application Procedure
🗓️ Application Deadline: May 16, 2025
📂 Required Documents:
Resume
Portfolio (data portfolio, past research paper, or data-driven report related to climate, energy, or sustainability)
Response to the question (250 words max): "What does climate action mean to you, and what key skills do you believe are essential to achieving it?"
📬 Application Submission: Applications should be submitted by filling this online application form
🔗 OFFICIAL CALL LINK
