As part of the Just Future Initiative at the University of Oregon, the Student Sustainability Center is excited to launch the Environmental Justice Fellows cohort in collaboration with the Holden Center’s new Emerging Leadership Project. The fellowship awards $1,500 to students dedicated to helping their communities by becoming an environmental justice leader. The fellowship also makes available up to $1000 for project supplies and an additional $1000 for faculty who work with the fellows in an advisory capacity.
Applications are due by Nov. 3, 2021.
What Do Fellows Get?
- Compensation for their Work and the Needs of Their Communities – EJ Fellows will receive: a $500 award for participating in the Emerging Leadership Project and Environmental Justice workshops; a $1,000 award for their community project; up to $1,000 in project funds and/or funds for their community partner. Faculty members who support EJ Fellows can also receive $1,000 for their work with EJ Fellows.
- Environmental Justice Training – Through a series of workshops, EJ Fellows will enhance their understanding of the principles and histories of environmental justice. Fellows will be able to turn their knowledge into action by creating and carrying out a service project that directly impacts their community and helps redress environmental injustices.
- Benefits of the Emerging Leadership Project
- Leadership Skill Development – This program is designed to develop your leadership skills through intentionally crafted workshops and experiential application. During the program we will take a deep dive into exploring your strengths, identities, and passions and how they intersect with leadership. We will also teach tangible leadership skills, such as facilitation, conflict resolution, inclusive practices, and much more.
- Direct Service Experience – By the end of the program, you will design and implement a service project related to your interests that directly benefits our local community. To assist you in this process, we will provide one-on-one mentorship, help you make connections with community partners, and share valuable project management skills.
- Career Readiness – ELP has been designed to help students develop the skills most sought after by employers, such as problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, communication, and more. Before you finish the program, we will work with you to help craft impactful application materials that best highlight your skills and experiences.
- Community and Connections – Students will spend a year together as a cohort, allowing you to build genuine and long-lasting friendships. Additionally, this program will help you make valuable networking connections with UO staff and community members.
Students are required to apply to the Emerging Leadership Project and complete the supplemental application for the Environmental Justice Fellows, which includes three additional questions about the importance of environmental justice, the applicant’s commitment to the program and environmental justice principles, and a broad, beginning of an idea for a community service project related to environmental justice. Priority will be given to applicants with an existing, demonstrated involvement with a community partner, though this is not necessary.
Questions? Please reach out to Dr. Taylor McHolm at tmcholm@uoregon.edu or 541-346-8321.
