Program details

Qualifications

Climate Corps seeks graduate students who are motivated to join the climate workforce and who are equipped with the skills to make a meaningful impact on their host organizations. Our core fellowship requirements are:

  • At the time of application, must be enrolled in a graduate certificate or degree program. Past fellows have studied in a variety of fields, including business, engineering, sustainability and environmental management, public policy, data science, writing, and more.
  • Self-starter with project management and leadership experience, including demonstrated success aligning and collaborating across teams.
  • Strong communication skills, including presentation skills.
  • A passion for solving environmental challenges.
  • Eligibility to work in the United States during summer 2024. See our work authorization policy for more details.

Climate Corps is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In order to develop the most innovative and inclusive environmental solutions, we need sustainability leaders that represent the community we serve. The Climate Corps program is proud that our fellows represent a diverse population of individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and identities – both visible and invisible. We believe this diversity makes our program stronger.

Compensation

US fellows are paid $1,400 per week for 10-12 weeks, plus $1,400 for participation in the Fellow Training. Salary will vary for China and India fellowships.

How to apply

1. Prepare

We will be hosting events throughout the fall for prospective applicants to learn more about Climate Corps. If you are interested in learning more, you can:

  • Watch a recording of a 30-minute information session, which provides an overview of the program and the application process. Link coming soon. 
  • Register for a virtual alumni panel and breakout room session to hear from 2023 fellows from about their experiences.
  • Attend office hours with Climate Corps staff. We encourage you to register in advance, if possible.
  • Sign up for our email list to receive periodic updates on the application process and tips for submitting a successful application.
  • Review our database of past projects to learn more about what makes Climate Corps unique.

For any recruitment related questions, please visit our FAQs or email edfclimatecorps.apply@edf.org.

2. Apply

Submit an application by 11/30/23 at 11:59pm PST (early deadline) or 1/9/24 at 11:59pm PST (regular deadline). Individuals who submit an application prior to our November deadline will have the opportunity to choose from a more robust list of host organizations.

3. Interview

If your application is successful, you will participate an interview via Zoom where we will evaluate your qualifications. These interviews are compared to the needs of host organizations to determine appropriate matches. Applicants who apply by our first deadline typically participate in this interview between January and mid-February. Those who apply by our second deadline can expect an interview between mid-February and March.

4. Review projects

Following a successful interview, you will join a pool of applicants eligible to be matched with a project. After your interview EDF will provide an up-to-date list of participating organizations and projects. You will be able to indicate the projects you are most interested in.

5. Match

Matches with host organizations occur in two waves: mid-February for early applicants and mid-March for regular applicants. Candidates who advance to the matching round will receive notice of a more specific timeline. If you receive a match, you are given two weeks to accept.

6. Confirm

After you accept the match, we will connect you with your potential host organization supervisor for final confirmation. This conversation is an opportunity for you and the host to get to know one another and ensure a successful match. Once the match is approved by the host, you will be a member of the Climate Corps Class of 2024!