The Climate Justice Fellows (CJF) Program is an intensive, practice-based fellowship. It equips emerging leaders with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience. These elements are needed to advance environmental and climate justice. CEEJH INC runs the program. It is a national leader in community‑based environmental justice. The program blends education, community science, policy engagement, and real‑world project work.
⭐ What the Fellowship Offers
- USD 2,500 stipend upon successful completion
- Self‑guided learning modules on environmental and climate justice
- Weekly virtual sessions with CEEJH experts
- Hands‑on technical assistance projects with community partners
- In‑person retreats and events (travel, lodging, and meals covered for required events)
- Global eligibility — open to applicants from any country
- Three subcohorts: Mid‑Atlantic, National (U.S.), and Global
👥 Who Should Apply
The program welcomes:
- Students and early‑career professionals
- Community organizers
- People from unrelated fields exploring climate justice
- Anyone 18+ with beginner to intermediate knowledge of environmental justice
No prior experience is required. Advanced applicants may still benefit from the hands‑on, community‑centered project work.
🕒 Time Commitment
- 4–10 hours/week for modules and virtual meetings
- Two weekly virtual sessions (one mandatory, one optional)
- In‑person requirements vary by subcohort
- Program runs February–October
📅 Key Dates (2026 Cycle)
- Applications Open: October 2025
- Original Deadline: January 11, 2026
- Updated Early Deadline: January 2, 2026 (due to high demand)
- Orientation: February 24
- Weekly Modules Begin: March 9
- Subcohort Retreats: April–May
- Final Project Presentations: September 14–15
- EJ & Health Disparities Symposium: September 16–19 (required for all fellows)
💸 Financial Support
CEEJH covers:
- Travel required for in‑person events
- Lodging and meals during mandatory retreats and symposium
International fellows receive invitation letters but must cover their own visa/passport costs.
📝 Application Process
- Blind review to ensure fairness
- Optional but helpful letters of recommendation
- Competitive selection (previous year: 206 applications → 40 final fellows)
- Early submission encouraged
🔔 What to Remember for Next Year
- Applications open in October
- Deadlines fall in early January
- The program may close early due to demand — students to apply as soon as applications open
- All content and assignments are in English
📚 What Fellows Gain
- Practical learning on climate justice frameworks
- Real-world, community‑focused project exposure
- A global peer network
- Supportive spaces for dialogue, reflection, and leadership development
🌱 Why This Fellowship Matters
The Climate Justice Fellows Program stands out because it does more than teach climate concepts. It equips people to change systems, not just understand them. Climate change doesn’t impact all communities equally, and this fellowship focuses on those inequities head‑on. Fellows learn how environmental racism, policy decisions, and structural inequalities shape real lives. They gain the tools to respond with integrity. They also respond with empathy and evidence.
This program matters because it:
- Builds leaders from all backgrounds, not just those with traditional environmental experience
- Centers frontline and fence-line communities, ensuring solutions are grounded in lived realities
- Connects fellows with experts, mentors, and peers who are actively shaping climate justice work
- Transforms learning into action, through hands-on projects that support real communities
- Breaks barriers to participation, offering stipends, travel support, and global access
For many participants, this fellowship becomes a turning point. It is a space where they discover their voice. They deepen their purpose and join a community committed to justice-driven climate action.
JK Studio 