The University of New Hampshire’s Sustainability Institute is inviting applications for competitive Climate Fellowships.     https://www.sustainableunh.unh.edu/climatefellows

The Climate Fellows program pairs outstanding students with challenging, important projects that will propel the US toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient future. Fellows each undertake challenging deliverables, and receive supervision, mentorship, unique networking opportunities, and a $6000 stipend.

The Climate Fellows program was started in 2008 by the nonprofit Clean Air-Cool Planet, which focused on practical solutions to climate change and its impacts.  It now has more than 70 alumni—climate professionals in positions of innovation and leadership across the US and the globe.

Time commitment:  40 hours per week, June 1-August 14, 2015

Location:  Project-dependent.  2015 Fellows may be based in Durham, NH; in Boston, MA; or in Bozeman, MT. For some projects, state or regional travel may be required. 

What You Need to Know Before Applying:

• All applicants should be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program when they apply(college seniors graduating in May are welcome.)
• Academic backgrounds in the fields indicated in the individual project postings are preferred; these vary widely.
• We will encourage, but not require, an academic sponsor or reference for each fellow, and where possible we will ask that course credits are awarded.
• There is a MANDATORY three-day, two-night orientation in Durham, NH, from May 27th-29st.  Lodging and food will be provided, but Fellows are asked to pay their own associated travel costs.
• There is a $35 application fee, payable online.  (However, this may be waived for UNH students or in the case of financial hardship.  To request a waiver, applicants should contact UNHSI.)
• The Fellowship does not cover any costs for temporary (summer) relocation or housing, beyond the $6,000 stipend.

The 2015 Projects:

Climate Solutions New England (CSNE) Case Studies: Work with CSNE network to identify and document examples of cutting-edge solutions that address climate change mitigation and adaptation, and provide multiple socio economic benefits.

Food Solutions New England (FSNE) Outreach: Create web-based outreach materials to help transform the New England food system into a resilient driver of racial equity and food justice, health, sustainable farming and fishing, and thriving communities.  

NH Farm to School/USDA Foods: Lay the groundwork for local food producers in New Hampshire to sell their products to schools through the USDA foods system.  

One Montana Climate, Agriculture and Water: Conduct research and create resources to support Montana farmers and ranchers seeking adaptive strategies around water scarcity and other climate impacts. 

Greenovate Composting: Help grow the City of Boston’s new community compost program, through extensive education, outreach and stakeholder engagement.

Greenovate Efficiency Research: Research and document “best practice” policies and programs across the U.S. for driving energy efficiency upgrades in multifamily buildings, and identify opportunities to apply them in Boston.

Greenovate Efficiency Pilot: Provide technical support to building owners/property managers of buildings that have electric resistance heating systems; work with them to support whole building weatherization, fuel switching, and equipment upgrades.

Coastal Flooding Summit: Help organize and promote a National Summit on Coastal Flooding convened by the Union of Concerned Scientists, to draw national attention to front-line coastal communities impacted by growing flood risk and ensure this issue is considered within public debate during the 2016 election cycle.  

Climate Change Communications:  Focus on identifying and using effective public relations strategies in climate communication, to increase awareness and engagement on the climate issue within New Hampshire’s private sector.

 

Why Apply?

Fellowships are opportunities for highly skilled and motivated students to contribute to unique and exciting new projects and initiatives. As a result, fellows will gain:

•     – $6,000 (taxable) compensation
•     – New skills and knowledge;
•     – Access to extensive new professional contacts and networks;
•     – Material to add to his or her professional portfolio.

The Fellowship Selection Process:

By March 13^th – Apply: Fill out online form and upload a single PDF document with
cover letter, resume, three references, and writing sample at
https://sustainableunh.unh.edu/2015-climate-fellowships-application

Pay $35 fee (waivers available for UNH students, financial hardship.)

By April 6^th –     UNHSI will set up phone or Skype interviews with selected candidates.

By April 24^th –   UNHSI will extend Fellowship Offers to selected candidates.

By May 1^st –       Signed offer letters due back to UNHSI for 2015 Fellowships.

 

 

Learn More, and Apply, by March 13^th at https://sustainableunh.unh.edu/climatefellows

 

Courtesy of Jennifer Andrews, Project Director, Sustainability Institute, University of New Hampshire