Climate Action Fellowship

Seven people pose for a photo while standing outside

Are you concerned about climate change and want to make a difference? Do you have an idea for a project related to climate change or climate justice that you’ve been hoping to work on or maybe already working on and want to expand?  Apply for a Climate Action Fellowship and get paid to do the work you care about!

The Climate Action Fellowship enables SF State students to take action to address climate change and supports the development of community and leadership among students from diverse backgrounds interested in climate justice. Fellowships support students engaged in research,scholarship, creative activities, or outreach related to climate change and projects can be on-campus or off-campus. 

The Fellowship is open to both undergraduate and graduate students in all fields of study; participants receive financial support for up to $10,000, as well as professional development through enrollment in BIOL 681: Climate Action: Applied Learning for Real World Change. Students apply in the Spring semester for projects they will  implement during the following academic year.

Meet the Climate Action Fellows from Previous Years

Climate Action Fellowship with Literacy for Environmental Justice

Are you passionate about climate change solutions and seeking hands-on experience? We're excited to announce three Climate Action Fellowships for the 2026-2027 academic year!

Fellowship Details

  • Stipend: $10,000 for the academic year
  • Time commitment: Approximately 15 hours per week
  • Duration: Fall 2026 through Spring 2027
  • Application deadline: September 4th, 2026

Requirements and Expectations of LEJ Climate Action Fellows

  • Full-time undergraduate or graduate student for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027

  • Enroll in 1-unit seminar, Climate Action: Applied Learning for Real World Change (BIOL 681) in Fall 2026.

  • 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.

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

  • This is an in person fellowship and is not eligible for fully remote participation.

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 2026 and Spring 2027
  • 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 September 4th, 2026:

  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. More information to come.

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