About this Climate Justice Fellowship and Academy
Are you a CUNY undergraduate or graduate student interested in organizing in your student community to advance social justice and climate justice (CJ)? Do you want to meet other changemakers across CUNY and learn more research, advocacy, and community organizing skills? If so, then apply to our paid Climate Justice Hub Fellowship Program!
This fellowship offers a $10,000 stipend for students who want to learn more about the climate justice landscape in NYC, bring their experiences and knowledge to bear on CJ issues that impact them, broaden their student networks, meet key leaders in the field and on the ground, and gain professional footing in the climate sector. By participating in the fellowship, you will explore community ownership of renewable energy, urban heat mitigation, air quality, safe housing and other climate justice issues. Learn directly from other students across the CUNY system, CUNY faculty, and grassroots climate justice organizations in New York City.
What is the NYC Climate Justice Hub?
Launched in September 2023, the NYC Climate Justice Hub is a partnership between the City University of New York (CUNY)—the nation’s largest public urban university—and the NYC Environmental Justice Alliance (NYC-EJA)—a coalition of grassroots organizations who have led the fight for climate justice in NYC since 1991. By uniting CUNY and NYC-EJA, the Hub strengthens and fortifies just transition efforts led by frontline communities of color across NYC.
Application deadline: May 15th, 2024.
APPLY HERE
Who should apply?
The fellowship is open to CUNY community college, senior college, master’s, and doctoral students. Students who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color, gender nonconforming, immigrant, disabled, and/or first-generation college students are encouraged to apply. If you have access-related concerns or if English is not your first language, please contact us so we can plan for accommodation. Fellows will have a variety of educational and professional backgrounds and academic interests. If you are unsure about how your immigration status might affect your eligibility, please contact us. Any conversation we have about your status will be confidential.
About this fellowship
The NYC Climate Justice Hub Fellowship Program is a new, 12-month initiative that will train and support CUNY students to gain the skills, networks, and opportunities you need to advance climate solutions through study, professional development, campaign organizing, and participatory policy-making.
By establishing a leadership vine that links CUNY students to their CUNY peers—as well as to community-based organizations in their own neighborhoods—the Climate Justice Hub Fellowship Program creates key access points for student engagement in just transitions and will aim to build a student base of climate justice advocates across CUNY campuses.
All students will receive a $10,000 stipend for their participation from June 17th 2024 - June 1st 2025. Prior to applying, please check with your campus financial aid officer to determine your eligibility to accept this stipend if you are selected for the fellowship. More information about how to do so is included in the FAQ section below.
You will also need to be able to attend a mandatory Academy at the CUNY Graduate Center (located at 365 5th Ave, New York, NY) on June 17th, 18th, 20th, and 21st 2024 from 10am-5pm each day.
Applications are now open until Wednesday, May 15th 2024 at 11:59pm (EST). Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview. Acceptances will be announced by the end of May!
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
FAQs
What will I be expected to do?
Attend a 4 day intensive kick-off Academy in June 2024
Join an online peer network on Slack where they share opportunities and updates with each other and where we can share information, events, and actions we want them to participate in
Update project progress to the Hub team through an online platform
Work on one project that will further the aims of the Hub on campus
Attend one in-person day workshop per semester to share their work and further peer learning and/or training
Meet 2 to 4 times a month with their campus faculty lead
Attend monthly 1 hour Zoom calls with their cohort providing updates on their progress
Complete a semester report and evaluation survey.
When is the fellowship?
The fellowship will begin in June 2024 and end in May 2025.
What are the components of the fellowship?
Each fellow will participate in a mandatory Academy June 17, 18, 20 and 21st, regular experiential learning opportunities throughout the year, and a mentorship program with CUNY faculty. Under the supervision of CUNY faculty and the leadership of NYC-EJA member organizations, you will undertake specific projects related to the NYC Climate Justice Hub aims. Successful candidates should be able to commit:
- 2-3 hours a week in July and August
- 5-7 hours a week in the Fall (August - December) and Spring (January - May)
- attend mandatory in-person sessions and workshops on a monthly basis at an NYC location.
How much payment will each fellow receive?
Each fellow will receive a $10,000 stipend (paid out in two $5,000 installments, pending satisfactory completion of fellowship requirements).
How can I apply?
Fill out the application form below by May 15th 2024. Reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions.
When are applications due?
May 15th 11:59pm EST
What happens if I miss the deadline?
If you miss the deadline, you won't be able to apply for this round, unfortunately. However, keep an eye on our website! We plan to host additional cohorts in future months and will re-open applications. Also, sign up for our mailing list to keep track of the latest updates.
Will the program be in person?
The fellowship will be hybrid. There is a mandatory in-person Academy taking place from 10am -5pm each day on June 17th, 18th, 20th, and 21st. You must be able to attend each full day in order to be eligible.
Throughout the year, there will be various in-person activities that you will have to attend as well as remote working activities to do.
Will this fellowship affect any other fellowships or financial aid I am receiving?
Before applying, please contact the office of financial aid at your CUNY campus to ensure that you are eligible to receive a non-tuition fellowship without it adversely impacting your existing financial aid package. In your email to them, please include the fellowship amount, the semester you would receive it, and your EMPLID, which you can find in CUNYFirst under Student Center.
Can I use this for credits towards my coursework?
Unfortunately, this fellowship will not be credit bearing, so you will not be able to transfer the coursework to your college. However, you may be able to use the Fellowship to fulfill any internship requirements your school/major has. We are willing to work with students one-on-one to ensure the Fellowship meet's your school's internship requirements. Once accepted into the program, please be sure to let the staff know if you plan to use the Fellowship for those purposes.
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