About the Application

Please apply here: https://apply.workable.com/rachel-carson-council/j/734BA9FB58/

Project proposal:

In three pages or less, describe your project or campaign. Your project idea must relate to environmental justice, ocean advocacy, anti fossil fuels, biomass, renewable energy, food insecurity, or sustainable agriculture. In your proposal, be sure to highlight how your project is related to environmental justice, sustainability, or the climate crisis. Further, be sure to explain what drew you to this issue, how you have exhibited leadership, and a proposal of how you hope to achieve your goals. In addition to learning about your issue and your plan, we are interested in your background in environmental work, how the fellowship program will benefit you, why you feel deeply about your issue, and how it connects to the goals of the Rachel Carson Council.

In addition to the project proposal, students will also submit a resume, two references including name and contact information, and two writing samples of no more than three pages. Please include a writing sample that reveals your originality and your personal perspective in a more journalistic, rather than academic style. Samples from academic work will ideally touch on issues of interest to the RCC.

Your proposal will be strengthened by reviewing the RCC website and especially the work and writing of previous RCC Fellows. Your project will grow out of the unique circumstances of your own college, university, or community but is likely to use techniques and tactics like those used elsewhere. We value creative approaches to environmental and justice issues but also hope your project may stimulate similar ones and be replicable even if tailored to meet your own circumstances. Projects can and have involved organizing campaigns on divestment and reinvestment, lobbying on coastal and ocean protection; the arts and communications such as a series of podcasts on factory farms, curriculum development, community engagement, campus and community solar installations, campus and community organic gardens, food pantries, food insecurity, and network building with Black, Latino, and LGBTQ+ communities.

Need some inspiration? https://rachelcarsoncouncil.org/campus-program/meet-rachel-carson-campus-fellows/

Position Summary

  • Deliverables (EX: blogs, social media posts) due monthly
  • Work on your RCC project over the course of the two semesters
  • Attend bi-weekly meetings with RCC staff
  • Complete 7-10 advocacy hours per semester (EX: attending RCC webinars, presenting about your project in your class,etc.)

Requirements

  • Be enrolled at a U.S. college or university (undergraduate or masters education) for the Fall 2024-Spring 2025 school year
  • Attendance in residence at the RCC American Environmental Leadership Institute (AELI), July 21 – July 25, 2024, at the Rockwood Manor Retreat Center along the C&O National Historic Park in Cabin John, MD, just outside Washington, DC.

For this application you will need:

  • A resume
  • A written proposal detailing the issue you care about, the project you are proposing to address, and how it relates to the broad efforts of the RCC and the environmental movement. No longer than three pages, please.
  • Two writing samples from your academic or extracurricular work.
  • Two references, including name and contact information.

Successful RCC Fellowship applicants will demonstrate:

  • Passion for environmental education, organizing or advocacy and that they have identified an issue they wish to work on.
  • Strong academic performance with an emphasis on the environment in various disciplines or majors.
  • Outstanding writing and research with the ability to meet deadlines and follow specific content and formatting instructions.
  • Participation and leadership in campus environmental or related justice activities.
  • Initiative and the capacity to perform creative problem solving and deal with uncertainty.
  • Appreciation for the mission, goals, and issues of the Rachel Carson Council and Rachel Carson’s legacy.

Benefits

  • A $2,000 stipend over the fellowship term (paid in monthly installments)
  • National recognition as an RCC National Environmental Leadership Fellow
  • Experience in professional writing and opportunities to publish
  • Training and mentorship from environmental professionals on the RCC staff
  • Professional experience organizing and working for a national environmental non-profit
  • Training in advocacy, organizing, and writing as well as mentorship under RCC staff
  • Tuition, room, board and participation at the RCC American Environmental Leadership Institute (July 21-25, 2024)
  • Access to the RCC National Advisory Council and RCC Alumni Network