Fellowship Program - How to Apply | Robert & Patricia Switzer Foundation

Fellowship Program - How to Apply

1. Eligibility Requirements for Fellowship Applicants

5. Fellowship Award Requirements

7. Frequently Asked Questions About Switzer Fellowships

1. Eligibility Requirements for Fellowship Applicants

Competition for the Switzer Fellowships is intense. There are typically over 150 applicants for the ten fellowships in each region. Please make sure you meet all of the Fellowship eligibility requirements and carefully follow the application procedures below. An applicant for a Switzer Environmental Fellowship must:

be a US citizen;
be enrolled in an accredited graduate institution in California or New England;
have strong academic qualifications; and
have academic and career goals focused on environmental improvement, regardless of the school, major or program in which they are enrolled.

In addition:

The applicant must plan to be enrolled as a full time student for the entire '11-'12 academic year in order to be considered.
Master's degree candidates must have completed at least one semester of course work to apply and be seeking the Master's as a terminal degree. Master's degree students planning to pursue a PhD are advised to wait until they are in their PhD program to apply.
Individuals enrolled in one-year Master's degree programs may apply prior to enrollment, but must be formally accepted into their program to be eligible for a Fellowship interview. Interviews take place in May.
Applicants at the PhD level must plan to have completed at least three years of Doctoral work by July 1, 2011. or plan to have passed their qualifying exams by May 1, 2011. Please note that PhD candidates with a clear research and career focus are more competitive than individuals who are still undecided or early in their academic program.
Mid-Career students may apply and must demonstrate how their academic program will enhance their effectiveness as an environmental professional.
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2. Application Procedure

All students applying for a Switzer Environmental Fellowship must submit an online application form. A link to the online form is given below. Each applicant will be prompted to create an account before gaining access to the application form. This will allow applicants to save their work, make edits and track progress during the application review process. Specific application instructions are available on the application form. General guidance is provided here to help you prepare the necessary documentation. It is imperative that applicants review the eligibility requirements above prior to applying. Applications take a lot of time and work to complete, and ineligible applications will not be reviewed. The following materials are required to be submitted with the application as uploaded MS Word or Adobe PDF documents. APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED COMPLETE UNLESS ALL OF THESE MATERIALS ARE SUBMITTED AS INSTRUCTED. We cannot allow any exceptions. (Please note that if you need to convert hard copy documents to digital format, the online application has a 'Fax to File' capability that you can use for this purpose, but it requires immediate proximity to a fax machine. Further instructions available via the on-line application form.)

A 2-3 page original essay. The essay is a critical component of the application screening process. The essay must offer insights into the personal motivations of the applicant as well as how his/her academic experience will be applied to environmental improvement. The essay may be single or double spaced, but please use at least 11 point type for all text. The essay should address the following:
1. The applicant’s vision of his/her future role in the environmental field, including influences and experiences shaping that vision. It is helpful to articulate the professional capacity or position in which you see yourself as part of this vision post-graduation.
2. A description of how the applicant’s background, academic studies, or other experiences will be applied to a career dedicated to effecting positive environmental results.
3. A brief description of the applicant's academic focus, describing how it will have a direct, early and positive impact on environmental quality. A description of the applicant’s academic research may be included as part of the application packet, but should not be the sole emphasis of the essay.
4. One or more examples of how the applicant has been an agent of change or contributed to solving an environmental issue or problem.
5. Evidence of leadership ability and experience. Personal and professional challenges overcome may be described as well as accomplishments.
Two professional letters of recommendation. (Recommendation letters must be submitted directly to the Foundation per the "Recommendation Instructions".) These can be from your academic advisors or others who know you and your work well.
A current resume, including relevant work and volunteer experience. Please include the number of hours per week and number of weeks or months worked for each professional and volunteer experience noted.
Most recent Graduate academic transcripts (undergraduate transcripts are not necessary except in the case of applicants enrolling in one-year master's programs with no other graduate school experience)
A brief outline of the general course of study or research planned.
Evidence of financial need where applicable. Although the Switzer fellowship is merit-based, financial need may be considered when comparing equally qualified applicants.
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3. Where and When to Apply

Deadlines:

Application Deadline: January 15, 2011

Interview Dates:
New England Fellowships: May (exact date to be determined), 2011 – Boston
California Fellowships: May (exact date to be determined), 2011 – San Francisco

Fellowship Payment Dates:
Late June, 2011
Late January, 2012

Contact for further information:
For eligibility and general questions:
Erin Lloyd, Program Officer
(207) 338-5654 or e-mail, erin@switzernetwork.org

For technical assistance with online applications:
Don Brackett, Administrative Officer
(207) 338-5654 or e-mail, don@switzernetwork.org

APPLY HERE

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4. Selection Process

Application Review and Interview Process

Applications are reviewed by teams of consultants. New England and California applications are reviewed separately. Those students whose applications reflect the greatest career potential for improving the quality of our environment will be invited for an interview (see interview dates above). Interviews will be held in San Francisco for California applicants, and in Boston for New England applicants. Interviews are very focused and brief. Each Fellowship candidate will meet with a team of three or four environmental professionals representing different sectors (business, NGO, government, etc.) and Switzer Foundation representatives (including past Fellows). All candidates are asked the same questions, evaluated by the interview team and then the team leaders convene and make the final selection. All candidates interviewed are notified of award decisions in writing within two weeks after the interviews.

Criteria for Selection
Switzer Environmental Fellowship applicants must demonstrate the following:

Commitment to aggressively pursue and implement effective solutions to improve the quality of our environment;
Maximum potential for producing an early impact on environmental quality;
Strong leadership, communication and critical thinking skills;
Relevant work or volunteer experience in an environmental field;
Breadth of skill, creativity and flexibility to effectively bridge the public, private and academic arenas; and
Scientific, technical and/or policy background as applied to the applicant’s chosen environmental field.

Other criteria and qualities considered:

Engagement in new approaches to major environmental issues or emerging fields including climate change and energy, green chemistry, environmental health and justice, and others.
Evaluation of merit considers professional and academic achievement as well as experience with activist, grassroots and other community-based approaches to environmental change.
Individuals who have some professional or work experience between undergraduate and graduate study are often more competitive candidates for Switzer Environmental Fellowships due to their understanding of systems and conditions required for promoting positive environmental change.
A diversity of approaches to environmental change is sought, as well as representation of a diversity of schools and fields of study.
Applicants who are pursuing an academic career must be able to articulate how they will effect positive environmental change beyond the classroom or research setting.
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5. Fellowship Award Requirements

Fellowship Retreats

In late September and early October, annual fall retreats are held in New England and California to welcome new Fellows in each region and provide an opportunity for former Fellows to renew acquaintances. It is a requirement of the Fellowship that new Fellows attend the fall retreat the year they are selected. Former Fellows are always encouraged to attend these retreats. New Fellows will be notified of the exact dates and locations for the annual retreats at the time of their Fellowship award. We also hold two additional optional retreats in late winter/early spring.

Reporting Requirements

Switzer Fellows are required to submit two written reports during their fellowship year. An interim report must be received by January 15, mid-way through the fellowship year, and a final report by June 15 at the end of the fellowship year. Guidelines and requirements for these reports will be provided in advance of each due date. Payment for the second half of the Fellowship award will be released upon receipt of a satisfactory interim report.

Use of Fellowship Funds

The Fellowship is paid in two equal installments, the first in June and the second in late January. The entire grant may be applied to one or more of the following: tuition, matriculation and other university fees, living expenses, education or research related expenses. To the extent that the fellowship is not used for tuition, it may be considered income and the Fellow may be liable for income tax. The Foundation does not file IRS-1099 Forms on the Fellowships. Fellows are however, required to submit a report of expenditures to the Foundation at the end of the Fellowship year. Please consult with your tax advisor for proper treatment of the award.
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6. Exclusions

Employees and Trustees of The Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation and their family members are not eligible to apply and the Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation or national or ethnic origin in the selection of Fellows.
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7. Frequently Asked Questions About Switzer Fellowships

WHAT KIND OF CANDIDATE IS THE SELECTION COMMITTEE LOOKING FOR? The ideal candidate possesses a strong personal commitment to solving problems and effecting change in the environmental arena. He/she should possess solid leadership and communication skills, and have excellent technical and/or analytical backgrounds as well as superior academic credentials. Non-academic volunteer or community-based experience is also highly valued.
DO I NEED TO BE STUDYING IN A "HARD" SCIENCE AREA TO COMPETE SUCCESSFULLY? No. Fellowships are not limited by field of study. A good grounding in a science is considered a plus, but it will not prevent a candidate with other strong skills from competing successfully for a Fellowship as long as the candidate applies those skills to environmental improvement. A variety of fields and disciplines are supported, but commitment to environmental goals is essential.
WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IN SUBMITTING A SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION? Preparation. It may seem obvious, but a thoughtful application is most appreciated. You should carefully read the Program guidelines and visit the website (www.switzernetwork.org) to understand as thoroughly as possible the objectives of the Switzer Foundation. Take the time to seek out prior Switzer Fellows who may be on your campus or in your area to ask about their experience. Your written materials, especially your essay, are the primary means by which your application will convey a sense of your aspirations and motivations.
ARE THERE MORE SPECIFIC GUIDELINES FOR CONTENT & FORMAT OF THE ESSAY? No. Please read the essay requirements in the guidelines. The essay is the most critical component of your application for the initial screening and is the best way to convey your personal commitment to the field and to driving positive environmental change. A precis of your master's or doctoral thesis is NOT what we're looking for in the essay. The essay should be no more than two to three pages, may be double or single spaced with typeface 11 pt or larger.
WHO SHOULD WRITE MY TWO LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION? The letters of recommendation will have substantial weight in the evaluation of your application. It is critical that you obtain recommendations from individuals who can provide the best overall perspective on your professional potential, abilities, leadership capacity and dedication. You may choose faculty members, former employers, community leaders or colleagues as references.
SHOULD MY RECOMMENDERS SEND ME THEIR LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION FOR UPLOADING WITH MY APPLICATION? No. Recommenders should email their letter directly to the Foundation per the Recommendation Instructions on our website. Applicants should be sure to download a copy of the instructions and forward them to recommenders. Applicants should only provide the name and contact information of the recommenders in the space provided in the online applicaiton.
DO I NEED TO SUBMIT TRANSCRIPTS FROM UNDERGRADUATE WORK? For most applicants, no. All that is required is your graduate school transcripts. However, for individuals entering a one-year degree program, you will need to provide transcripts for the last year of prior academic study (graduate or undergraduate).
THE GUIDELINES STATE AN OFFICAL TRANSCRIPT OF PRIOR GRADUATE WORK IS REQUIRED WITH THE ONLINE APPLICATION. MY SCHOOL ONLY PROVIDES OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS IN HARD COPY. WHAT SHOULD I DO? We will accept scanned copies of official transcripts in Adobe PDF or JPEG format.
HOW MUCH DETAIL IS NEEDED FOR THE "OUTLINE OF COURSE OF STUDY"? You may summarize your thesis or dissertation topic, list courses to be taken and your research focus. Do not exceed four pages.
HOW IMPORTANT IS FINANCIAL NEED IN DETERMINING FELLOWSHIP AWARDS? This is NOT a need-based award. No candidate is screened out based on his/her financial circumstances. However, financial need can be a factor considered by the final selection committee, particularly in situations where candidates are equally qualified. If you feel your financial situation is a major factor in your ability to complete your studies, you should provide a narrative explaining your financial need, citing specifics if necessary. We rely on your honesty in providing us with this information.
I WILL COMPLETE MY STUDIES BEFORE THE END OF THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2011/2012. MAY I STILL SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR PARTIAL FUNDING? No. The Fellowship is intended to support full-time matriculation for the entire academic '11-'12 year . You must plan to be enrolled on a full-time basis for '11-'12 in order to qualify for the Fellowship.
DO I NEED TO BE ALREADY ENROLLED IN ORDER TO APPLY? Yes. Master's degree students must have completed at least one semester of coursework at the time an application is submitted. One exception to this is for students who will be enrolled in a one-year professional Master's degree program. These students may apply before they begin, but must have equivalent professional experience and must be fully accepted into their program to be granted an interview. PhD students must plan to have completed at least three years of study by July 1, 2011 or plan to have passed their qualifying exams by May 1, 2011. Students planning to conduct research during the Fellowship year must specify their planned enrollment status for this time period.
CAN TERMINAL MASTER'S DEGREE STUDENTS COMPETE SUCCESSFULLY FOR SWITZER FELLOWSHIPS? Yes. The Switzer Fellowship Program is interested in seeing applications from strong Master's degree students. Master's students will compete against each other rather than against doctoral candidates.
CAN MID-CAREER STUDENTS COMPETE SUCCESSFULLY FOR SWITZER FELLOWSHIPS? Yes. The Switzer Fellowship Program is interested in candidates in all stages of their careers, as long as they have a clear focus in how their graduate education will position them to have greater influence on environmental issues and outcomes.
CAN STUDENTS AT INSTITUTIONS OUTSIDE OF NEW ENGLAND OR CALIFORNIA APPLY FOR THE FELLOWSHIP? No. The Switzer Fellowship is available only to students enrolled at accredited graduate institutions in California or the six New England states (CT, MA, RI, VT, NH, or ME).
I AM A PhD STUDENT AND WILL HAVE COMPLETED MY SECOND YEAR OF STUDY BY MAY, 2011 BUT WILL NOT YET HAVE TAKEN MY QUALIFYING EXAMS. CAN I STILL APPLY? No. PhD applicants must be on schedule to take their qualifying exams by May 1, 2011 or plan to have finished their third year of study by July 1, 2011 in order to be eligible. No exceptions will be made.
I AM INTERESTED IN THE FELLOWSHIP, BUT AM FINANCIALL INDEPENDENT AND DO NOT NEED THE FELLOWSHIP FUNDS. CAN I APPLY FOR THE FELLOWSHIP BUT DECLINE THE FUNDS SO THAT THEY CAN BE USED FOR SOMEONE ELSE? Yes. The Foundation is interested in awarding the Fellowship to qualified candidates. Recipients may receive full Fellowship benefits even if they opt out of the funding. This final determination is not made until the award decisions are made and are kept strictly confidential.
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8. Other information

For more information, please see Fellowship Benefits. Learn about past Fellows through the Fellowship Network Directory or under Recent Awards.
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Robert &amp; Patricia Switzer Foundation