The Yale Climate Fellows Program is a flagship initiative by the Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs, created to support mid-career professionals from across the globe who are committed to addressing the world’s most urgent climate challenges. Hosted by the International Leadership Center (ILC), the program is designed to strengthen global leadership and accelerate transformative climate action through a multidisciplinary, collaborative, and inclusive approach. Climate change is one of the most defining challenges of our time, impacting everything from food security and public health to migration, infrastructure, and geopolitics. The Climate Fellows Program was created to empower professionals who are actively engaged in crafting real-world solutions—whether in government, civil society, private industry, or academia. The program brings together a select cohort of leaders for an intensive academic and policy-focused residency at Yale University, where they gain access to intellectual resources, mentorship, networking opportunities, and a collaborative environment that fosters strategic thinking and innovation.
Participants are selected for their proven commitment to climate work and their potential to effect systems-level change in their regions and beyond. Fellows spend time reflecting on their leadership journeys, exploring advanced climate science, engaging in policy discourse, and developing cross-sectoral strategies to accelerate climate resilience, justice, and innovation. While in residence, Fellows attend seminars, workshops, and public events organized by Yale’s world-leading centers including the Yale School of the Environment, Yale Center for Environmental Justice, Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, and more. They participate in collaborative projects with faculty and peers, gaining insight into the latest research, governance frameworks, and policy instruments shaping the global climate agenda.
The fellowship experience is also deeply personal: participants are encouraged to explore not only technical solutions, but also the ethical, cultural, and human dimensions of climate leadership. Through storytelling, networking, and mentorship, Fellows return to their home countries better equipped to bridge the gap between local challenges and global strategies, turning academic insight into meaningful action.
Alumni of the program continue to collaborate across borders through the ILC network, working together to mobilize resources, influence policy, and build climate-smart institutions. Whether advocating for green energy policies, leading indigenous climate justice movements, or transforming agriculture systems in vulnerable regions, Yale Climate Fellows are at the forefront of sustainable change. This program is ideal for individuals seeking to elevate their climate leadership capacity while contributing to a global community of changemakers dedicated to a just, livable planet.
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Requirement/Eligibility
To be considered for the Yale Climate Fellows Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Professional Background: Must be mid-career professionals with 7 to 15 years of experience in fields related to climate policy, science, justice, innovation, sustainability, or development.
2. Leadership and Impact: Demonstrated leadership in addressing climate-related issues, with a clear record of driving change through projects, policies, advocacy, or research.
3. Diversity of Backgrounds: Open to individuals from all countries and sectors, with strong emphasis on Global South representation, gender diversity, and underrepresented voices.
4. Academic Capability: While an advanced degree is not mandatory, a strong academic background or equivalent experience in climate-related fields is highly recommended.
5. Language Proficiency: Applicants must be proficient in English, both written and spoken, as the program is conducted entirely in English.
6. Proposed Contribution: Candidates must articulate how their participation will advance their leadership and impact, including a proposed area of focus or project relevant to climate action.
7. Availability: Must be available for full-time residency at Yale University for the program duration (typically 3–4 months).
8. References: At least two strong professional or academic recommendations are required, endorsing the candidate’s suitability and potential for global impact.
9. Employer Endorsement: Where applicable, support from the candidate’s organization to undertake the residency is preferred.
10. Commitment to Return and Serve: Applicants must show intent to return to their home countries or regions to apply their learning in service of climate-positive development.
Duration/Stipend
The Yale Climate Fellows Program is a 3 to 4-month in-residence fellowship, hosted at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, typically between August and December each year.
The fellowship includes:
Full financial support, covering tuition and all program fees
Round-trip travel to and from New Haven
Accommodation or housing stipend for the duration of the stay
Monthly living stipend to cover meals and daily expenses
Access to Yale University facilities, including libraries, lecture series, academic departments, and public talks
Opportunities for networking, mentorship, and strategic collaboration across multiple disciplines
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