About the programme
The Switzer Fellowship supports graduate students from diverse academic and personal backgrounds in the United States and U.S. territories. Selected fellows, twenty per year, receive an unrestricted cash award, leadership training, retreats, and membership in the Switzer Network of more than 800 fellows. Selection rewards environmental commitment, applied problem-solving, leadership, and awareness of social equity. The award is not need-based.
Duration: One year (2027-2028 academic year)
Eligibility
- U.S. citizen, permanent resident, DACA recipient, refugee or asylee (international students are ineligible)
- Enrolled in an accredited graduate institution in the United States or U.S. territories; online programmes not eligible
- Must plan to be enrolled for the entire 2027-2028 academic year
- Strong academic qualifications with academic and career goals focused on environmental improvement
- Master's candidates must have completed at least one semester or quarter of coursework by end of 2026 and seek a Master's as terminal degree; one-year Master's applicants must be formally accepted to attend interview
- Ph.D. candidates must have advanced to candidacy (passed qualifying exams) by the application deadline
- Employees and trustees of the foundation and their family members are not eligible
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What they look for
- Mid-career students are encouraged to apply and must show how their programme will enhance their environmental leadership
- Black, Indigenous and students of color, first-generation students and underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply
- Work experience between undergraduate and graduate study, and non-academic or community experience, are valued
What you receive
- $18,000 unrestricted cash award in two instalments
- Two multi-day retreats during the fellowship year
- Career coaching and leadership guidance
- Access to the Switzer Network
- Eligibility for Leadership grants and Professional Development Fund grants
What you will need
- Three short-answer questions (1,000 characters each)
- Personal leadership essay (up to 7,000 characters)
- Two letters of recommendation (PDF), due by the deadline
- Resume highlighting five key experiences, including work, academic and honours
- Most recent graduate transcript (unofficial acceptable)
How to apply
- Submit online application form by 11:59 pm PST, 14 December 2026
- Initial eligibility check
- Three rounds of review by Switzer alumni
- Virtual panel interview in early May 2027
- Award notifications in June
Applications are submitted on Robert & Patricia Switzer Foundation’s own site. Open Doors helps you prepare; it is not the official application portal.
From people who applied
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Source and verification
- Official source
- Robert & Patricia Switzer Foundation · Application
- Last checked
- 10 Nov 2026, read automatically from the official page
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