The programs of the Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation are dedicated to investing in individual leaders who will be driving positive environmental change and to supporting projects that will have measurable positive results on environmental quality for natural and human communities. The goal of the Switzer Environmental Fellowship Program is to support highly talented graduate students in New England and California whose studies are directed toward improving environmental quality and who demonstrate the potential for leadership in their field.

The Switzer Environmental Fellowship Program is in its 21st year of existence. In the early years, scientific and technical skills were paramount in the selection process. Over time, the Foundation responded to changes in environmental practice, and recognized that while the sciences are the underpinning of environmental work, practitioners are needed in a variety of sectors and fields, especially those with interdisciplinary interests. Therefore, the Foundation broadly defines its interest in the environment and the means by which positive results can be achieved. Awards have been made to students pursuing environmental policy, economics, conservation, public health, journalism, architecture, environmental justice, business and law as well as the more traditional sciences of biology, chemistry and engineering.

Fellowship applicants are evaluated based on their commitment to environmental problem-solving and their potential for creating positive environmental impact. Successful candidates are innovators, leaders, problem-solvers and focused on applied, tangible results through their efforts. Applicants are also required to have strong leadership, communication and critical thinking skills, relevant work and volunteer experience and the necessary scientific or technical background for their field of study. Past leadership and volunteer experience in community and nonprofit settings are valued as well as academic achievement, evidence of systems thinking and interdisciplinary perspectives.

The career and professional goals of potential Fellows are also carefully evaluated. Candidates with a strong vision of how they will apply their academic training to a career in the non-profit, government or private sector are preferred. Candidates pursuing academic careers, while not discouraged, are required to demonstrate their commitment to applied environmental problem solving beyond the classroom or university setting. Switzer Environmental Fellowships are merit-based, however, financial need of an applicant may be considered to distinguish between two equally qualified candidates.

The Fellowship provides a one-year $15,000 cash award for graduate study as well as networking and leadership support to awardees. Switzer Fellows are highly talented professionals who have the ability, determination and integrity to effect positive change as environmental leaders in the 21st century. Only the most active, committed and focused individuals will compete successfully to join the network of over 400 Fellows selected since 1986. The Foundation seeks to select a diversity of students from different schools, programs, disciplines and career tracks in each Fellowship class. Diverse backgrounds and perspectives add value to the Fellowship program by fostering learning and collaboration across disciplines.

The application process for the Switzer Environmental Fellowships is highly competitive. Each year, through an extensive application and interview process, twenty Environmental Fellowships are awarded, ten in California and ten in New England out of an initial pool of well over 200. Candidates compete separately for Fellowships in New England and California. In 2008, through the generous support of The Annenberg Foundation, we will be increasing the number of Fellowships in California, dedicating at least five Switzer Environmental Fellowships to southern California graduate students in recognition of the need for innovative environmental leaders to solve problems unique to that region.

Graduate students meeting the program eligibility requirements and criteria may apply directly to the Foundation. Interviews are held in early to mid-May and take place in San Francisco and Los Angeles for the California Fellowships and in Boston for the New England Fellowships. Specific procedures and guidelines for the Switzer Fellowship application process can be found at Application Procedures and Guidelines.

NOTE: Nominations will not be required this year, however, a complete application with all requested materials must be received by the due date for consideration.