Protecting wildlife for our children's future
National Wildlife Federation logo Photos of wildlife
My Campus Involvement  > Fellowships

National Wildlife Federation's Campus Ecology Fellowships are a benefit primarily for enrolled campuses and, especially, for enrolled campuses that have applied to earn the designation of NWF Climate Champion. NWF Campus Ecology Fellows confront global warming on their individual campuses by committing to reduce net emissions by 2% per year, approximately 30% by 2020 and 80% by 2050. Fellows also help to educate and engage the campus community on global warming impacts and solutions.

Monetary fellowship grants are awarded to college undergraduate and graduate students working with other members of the faculty, staff, or administration on projects designed to help reverse global warming on campus and beyond. These projects could include energy efficiency in new and existing buildings, greener transportation plans, installation of clean energy technology on campus, purchasing of clean energy, food systems, habitat restoration and plantings, etc. Special emphasis is placed on selecting projects from schools where a student has recommendations from a team of faculty, staff, or other students that can provide support and are already working on or are interested in working on campus-wide climate action.

NWF Campus Ecology Fellows will be encouraged to work with the administration to develop a climate action plan with the support of their advisor and verifier. The climate action plan should include strategies to help meet tangible reduction goals. The plan should also include steps to measure current emissions on campus, steps to reduce emissions on campus to meet the NWF 2% reduction goal, and steps to adopt policies on campus addressing practices that can reduce emissions.

NWF Fellowships allow students to pursue their vision of an ecologically sustainable future through tangible projects to confront global warming on campus and in the community. Fellows gain practical experience in the conservation field and first-hand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities inherent in successful conservation efforts.

In addition to joining the national network of current and alumni NWF Campus Ecology Fellows, students also receive a modest grant, project support, recognition of their accomplishments and other perks. Campus and community members benefit from the fellow's assistance with the research, design, and implementation of projects that produce measurable results to help educate on global warming impacts and solutions.

This program is partially funded through the generous support of the Kendeda Sustainability Fund of the Tides Foundation, Nathan Cummings Foundation and the Town Creek Foundation.

HOW TO APPLY

  1. Contact campus.nwf.org for Upcoming Deadlines for Submitting Proposals.
  2. Download, read and understand the following materials for application information.

Fellowship Request for Proposals

Fellowship Requirements; Perks and Privileges; Review and Selection Process

Fellowship Application: What The Proposal Should Include

Fellows Handbook
This online tutorial offers an introduction to NWF and the Fellowship Program.


Meet The Fellows
Meet NWF Fellows, both current and past, and learn about their projects. Since 2000, NWF has awarded over 100 fellowships to students across the country working on projects ranging from campus wide energy audits to implementing sustainable forestry practices. Learn more about current and previous Fellows and their projects and let their work inspire you!

Congratulations to the 2008 Class of Campus Ecology Fellows!
Lisa Anderson - Albion College, MI
Leanne Ferrell - Roger Williams University, RI
Charlie Forbes - Rhodes College, TN
Cynthia Klein-Banai - University of Illinois - Chicago
Sarah Mann - Ohio University
Rachel Sholly - University of Rhode Island
Edward Speck-Kern - Marquette University, WI
Erica Tauzer - Albion College, MI

Sign Up for campus e-news

   Please leave this field empty

Search Campus Resources

Multimedia

  • Podcast:

    Learn more about installing solar panels
  • Video:

    Chill Out Winners of 2007, Get started video
  • Blog:

    Read the Campus Ecology Blog, Become a blog member
  • Facebook:

    Get your friends involved with campus ecology

Campus Ecology...It takes a big step to make a smaller footprint.

Free monthly enewsletters
donate now | send an ecard | email this page to a friend