Switzer Fellowships 2027 for Graduate Students in the U.S.

Applications are open for the Switzer Fellowships 2027, a one year fellowship for graduate students in the United States and U.S. territories whose academic and career goals focus on environmental improvement. The fellowship is offered by the Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation and supports emerging and established environmental leaders working across science, policy, justice, health, economics, advocacy, planning, business, law and other fields.

The Switzer Fellowship brings together graduate students from diverse academic, professional and personal backgrounds who are committed to addressing environmental challenges while advancing social equity. Fellows are expected to demonstrate leadership potential, practical problem solving skills and a clear vision for how their education and experience can contribute to positive environmental and social change.

The fellowship is open to students enrolled at accredited graduate institutions across the United States and U.S. territories. The programme is no longer limited to students studying in New England or California. International students without eligible United States immigration status are not eligible.

About the Fellowship

The Switzer Fellowship is designed for graduate students who want to become influential leaders in environmental improvement. The foundation supports applicants from a wide range of disciplines rather than requiring a specific academic field.

Successful applicants demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental problem solving and can explain how their work affects people and communities. The foundation places particular importance on social equity and encourages applicants to consider how environmental challenges intersect with communities that have historically been marginalized or underrepresented.

The fellowship supports both emerging and established leaders. Mid career students are also encouraged to apply when they can demonstrate how their graduate education will strengthen their ability to influence environmental issues and outcomes.

Approximately 20 fellows are selected each year from hundreds of applicants. Applications are reviewed through several stages involving Switzer Fellowship alumni, followed by virtual interviews for selected candidates.

Fellowship Benefits

• $18,000 unrestricted cash award paid in two installments

• Two multi day in person retreats during the fellowship year

• Equity centered leadership training and skills development

• Cohort building and professional networking

• Access to the Switzer Network of more than 800 fellows

• Career coaching and leadership guidance

• Professional development opportunities

• Access to future leadership and professional development grants

• Opportunities to participate in networking events, webinars and trainings

• Long term professional and personal support through the Switzer Network

The fellowship award may be used for tuition, university fees, living expenses, education related costs or research related expenses. Depending on how the funds are used, part or all of the award may be considered taxable income.

Eligibility Criteria

• Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, DACA recipient, refugee or asylee under applicable United States definitions

• Be enrolled in an accredited graduate institution in the United States or U.S. territories

• Not be enrolled in an online graduate programme

• Plan to remain enrolled throughout the entire 2027 to 2028 academic year

• Have strong academic qualifications

• Have academic and career goals focused on environmental improvement

• Master's degree candidates, including J.D. students, must have completed at least one semester or quarter of coursework by the end of 2026

• Master's students must be pursuing the degree as their terminal degree

• Ph.D. candidates must have completed their qualifying examinations by the time of application

• Students in one year Master's programmes may apply before enrollment if formally accepted into the programme

• Mid career applicants must demonstrate how their graduate education will enhance their effectiveness as environmental leaders

• Demonstrate commitment to environmental improvement and social equity

Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed according to several qualities that reflect the foundation's vision for environmental leadership.

• Environmental commitment

• Applied focus

• Innovative problem solving

• Leadership potential

• Collaboration and engagement

• Social equity awareness and experience

• Communication skills

Required Application Materials

• Online application form

• Three short answer responses, with each response limited to 1,000 characters

• Two professional letters of recommendation

• Highlights from the applicant's resume, including five important and relevant academic, work, volunteer or award experiences

• Most recent graduate academic transcript

The short answer questions ask applicants to explain why the environmental challenges they address are personally important, what practical solutions they hope to contribute and how their experiences demonstrate leadership and commitment to environmental and social change.

Recommendation letters should provide specific examples of the applicant's leadership, professional potential, abilities and commitment. One recommender may be an academic advisor, committee member or academic colleague, particularly for Ph.D. applicants. The second recommender may come from professional, community or volunteer experience.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring that both recommendation letters are submitted by the deadline.

How to Apply

1. Review the Switzer Fellowship eligibility requirements and application guidelines carefully.
2. Confirm that your graduate programme, enrollment status and immigration status meet the fellowship requirements.
3. Prepare your three short answer responses and make sure each response stays within the required character limit.
4. Select two recommenders who can provide specific evidence of your leadership, professional experience and commitment to environmental improvement.
5. Prepare your resume highlights and most recent graduate academic transcript.
6. Complete the online Switzer Fellowship application form.
7. Ensure that both recommendation letters and all required application materials are submitted before the deadline.
8. Submit the completed application by December 14, 2026 at 11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time.