Literacy for Environmental Justice - Climate Action Fellowship Opportunity - Fall 2025 & Spring 2026

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Are you passionate about climate change solutions and seeking hands-on experience? We're excited to announce three Climate Action Fellowships for the 2025-2026 academic year!

Fellowship Details:

  • Stipend: $10,000 for the academic year
  • Time commitment: Approximately 15 hours per week
  • Duration: Fall 2025 through Spring 2026
  • Application deadline: May 16, 2025

Requirements and Expectations of LEJ Climate Action Fellows

  • Enroll in 1-unit seminar, Climate Action: Applied Learning for Real World Change (BIOL 681) in Fall 2025.

  • Participate in an orientation event and approximately monthly meetings among the Climate Action Fellows, program coordinator, and faculty mentors.

  • Meet regularly with the faculty mentor throughout the period of the project.

  • Present their fellowship work, e.g., in poster format, at a campus Earth Week event (April 20-24, 2026) 

  • Write a short report on the project at the end of the fellowship period.

Available Positions

LEJ Partnership Fellowships (2 positions)

Work with Literacy for Environmental Justice (LEJ) on community-based environmental projects:

  • Support native plant nursery restoration initiatives
  • Assist with youth education programs introducing community college students to San Francisco Bay
  • Create virtual field trips or story maps for Heron's Head and Bay kayaking experiences
  • Connect LEJ participants with ongoing oyster restoration projects
  • Participate in a structured program under LEJ's guidance

Requirements:

  • Full-time undergraduate or graduate student for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026
  • Reliable transportation to Heron's Head Park and LEJ’s nursery in the Bayview district
  • Curiosity, dependability, and genuine interest in climate change solutions
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills

 

How to Apply

Please submit the following by May 16, 2025:

  1. Resume/CV (2 pages maximum)
  2. Academic transcript (unofficial accepted)
  3. Personal statement (2 pages maximum) addressing:
    • Which fellowship position(s) interest you and why
    • What excites you about the proposed work
    • Your interest in climate change/climate justice
    • How your career goals relate to addressing climate challenges
    • How this fellowship would advance your professional development
    • Any personal experiences, challenges overcome, or unique perspectives you bring to this work

Submit all materials to Kai Burrus (lburrus@sfsu.edu) with subject line "Climate Action Fellowship Application - LEJ"

For questions, please contact Kai Burrus at lburrus@sfsu.edu.

 

Selection Process:

Applications will be reviewed by a committee of faculty and partners. Finalists will be invited for interviews in late-May, with decisions announced by mid-June, 2025.

Selection Rubric (20 points total):

1. Qualifications and Experience (5 points)

  • 5: Exceptional relevant experience and skills; clearly prepared for fellowship
  • 4: Strong relevant experience and transferable skills
  • 3: Some relevant experience or transferable skills
  • 2: Limited relevant experience but demonstrates potential
  • 1: Minimal relevant experience or skills

2. Understanding of Climate Issues (5 points)

  • 5: Sophisticated understanding of climate change/justice; demonstrates critical thinking
  • 4: Clear understanding of key climate issues and their implications
  • 3: Basic understanding of climate challenges
  • 2: Limited understanding but shows genuine interest
  • 1: Minimal engagement with climate issues

3. Alignment with Fellowship Goals (5 points)

  • 5: Perfect match between candidate's interests/goals and fellowship objectives
  • 4: Strong alignment with fellowship objectives
  • 3: Moderate alignment with fellowship objectives
  • 2: Some alignment, but may not fully engage with all aspects
  • 1: Limited alignment with fellowship objectives

4. Diversity of Perspective/Experience (5 points)

  • 5: Brings exceptional unique perspectives/experiences that will enhance the program
  • 4: Offers valuable diverse perspectives or experiences
  • 3: Brings some unique perspectives to the role
  • 2: Limited unique perspective but shows potential for growth
  • 1: Minimal evidence of unique contribution

Interview Evaluation (if selected as finalist):

Additional 10 points based on:

  • Communication skills
  • Enthusiasm and commitment
  • Problem-solving approach
  • Teamwork potential
  • Responses to scenario-based questions