Yale School of the Environment Environmental Fellows Program (EFP) 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- Oct 29
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 31
If you’re a graduate student who is passionate about conservation, environmental justice, philanthropy, or environmental policy — and you're looking for a pathway into nonprofits, grant-makers, government agencies, or other high-impact organisations — the Environmental Fellows Program (EFP) 2026 at Yale School of the Environment (YSE) offers a unique summer internship and leadership development experience. Sponsored by Yale School of the Environment, this 12-week programme connects you with real placements and supports you to build your skills, network and career momentum. Here's everything you need to know.
🌐 EFP Fellowship Summary
Location: United States (various host sites across the country) through the Yale School of the Environment internship placement model.
Duration: 12 weeks (Summer internship – typically May to August) with orientation and professional development components.
Target Group: Master’s and doctoral students in or enrolled in graduate programmes (those graduating in 2025-26 are eligible) seeking to enter the environmental, conservation, philanthropy, government or nonprofit sector.
Focus: Conservation leadership, environmental justice, equity & inclusion, environmental philanthropy, grant-making, policy and organisational side of environmental work.
Coverage: Base stipend of US $15,000 for the 12-week internship + supplementary funds of US $1,500-2,500 for travel/housing/equipment.
Application Deadline: Priority deadline on 1 December 2025, final deadline 4 January 2026.
🎓 Fellowship Overview
The EFP is structured to offer more than just a summer placement. Key components include:
Pre-summer orientation in early May, preparing fellows for their host site, networking and sector orientation.
12-week full-time internship during the summer, placed in environmental nonprofits, philanthropy foundations, policy think-tanks, media outlets, government agencies or grassroots organisations. Fellows engage in substantive work and builds skills for the environmental field.
Professional development workshops during the summer: leadership training, communication, grant-making/ philanthropy introduction, career mentoring.
Post-summer capstone/reflective component: Fellows are expected to complete journal reflections, present on their summer experience, conduct informational interviews and fulfil host-site requirements.
Alumni network & access to further opportunities: After the programme, participants join the EFP alumni network, receive career counselling, job-market access and may be invited to the annual “New Horizons in Conservation” convening.
🎁 Benefits & Coverage
Stipend of US $15,000 for 12-week summer internship.
Supplementary funding (US $1,500-2,500) to help cover travel, housing, equipment or other needs for the internship.
Professional development including orientation, workshops, mentorship and exposure to philanthropy and environment sector professionals.
Placement in meaningful host organizations across the U.S., giving hands-on experience, a professional network and a competitive credential.
Diversity, equity & inclusion training, and a programme specifically designed to increase accessibility and representation in the environmental sector.
Career advancement support: Alumni network, job alerts, mentoring, and the impact of citing the fellowship on resumes and interviews (past fellows testify this).
✅ Eligibility Criteria
You must meet the following to apply:
Be enrolled in a graduate programme (master’s or doctoral) by the start of the 2026 summer placement. Students graduating in the 2025-26 academic year are still eligible.
Have completed at least one year of graduate study or hold at least a bachelor’s degree and be expected to participate for full 12 weeks.
Be legally eligible to work in the U.S. (U.S. citizen, permanent resident or DACA/DREAMer if applying outside Yale). Currently international students (outside Yale) are not eligible.
Be able to commit full-time during the internship period (approximately 40 hours/week) plus orientation and capstone elements.
Express interest in broadening environmental knowledge, building leadership and communication skills, developing experience in environmental organisations or philanthropy, and a commitment to equity, inclusion and diversifying the environmental field.
📝 Application Procedure
Visit the official application portal via Yale School of the Environment (Submittable)
Prepare required documents, including:
Résumé/CV detailing your graduate programme, coursework, relevant experience
Official or unofficial academic transcripts (graduate programme and bachelor’s)
Two letters of recommendation (from professors, supervisors or mentors—not friends/family)
Submit the application prior to deadlines:
Priority deadline: 1 December 2025
Final deadline: 4 January 2026
Host-site match & placement occurs following selection; you will participate in orientation and then the summer internship.
During and after the summer you will complete programme requirements (journal reflection, host-site work, informational interview, presentation) and engage with the alumni network.
✨ Tips & Insights for a Strong Application
Highlight leadership & impact: Showcase how your work (academic, professional or volunteer) has contributed to environmental, conservation or social justice goals—especially demonstrating how you’re building a career in the sector or moving into leadership.
Connect to philanthropy or environmental organisations: Since the programme places you with nonprofits, foundations or government bodies, make it clear you understand that side of the environmental field (not just scientific research) and you’re prepared to engage with policy/organisation/strategy.
Emphasize your commitment to diversity, equity & inclusion: The programme emphasises expanding representation in the environmental field — reflect your perspectives, background or efforts that align.
Illustrate your readiness for a 12-week full-time commitment: A paid internship is serious; show that you can commit full-time during the summer, and you understand the professional setting.
Prepare your references early: Choose recommenders who know you academically or professionally and can speak to your potential in environmental leadership.
Use concrete examples: Whether it’s a project you contributed to, a policy you influenced, or an organisation you interned at—use specific evidence rather than vague statements.
Relate to the fellowship’s aim: Your motivation letter or statement should tie your personal trajectory to why this fellowship matters to you: e.g., “I want to broaden my environmental knowledge, build leadership skills, work in philanthropy or grant-making, and join a network of emerging environmental leaders.”
Consider your geographical eligibility: Since international students outside Yale are currently not eligible, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria before investing time in the application.
Plan for the summer logistics: The internship may involve relocation; the stipend is generous, but you should plan ahead (housing/travel) given you may need to take on a host-site placement somewhere in the U.S.
🚀 Final Thoughts
If you are a graduate student aiming to transition into the environmental sector through a structured, well-supported summer pathway, the Environmental Fellows Program at Yale provides a compelling opportunity. With paid placement, professional development, mentorship, networking and a strong reputation in the environmental field, it could serve as a powerful springboard.
