The Roger Arliner Young (RAY) Fellowship Program aims to expand access to careers in conservation and clean energy by providing hands-on experience, mentorship, and leadership development. With a commitment to equity, environmental justice, and social change, the program supports emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about making a difference in these fields.
Available Fellowship Positions (2025-2027)
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the 2025-2027 RAY Fellowship Cohort (Cohort 10), applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold an undergraduate degree obtained after May 2022.
- Have a strong interest in conservation and/or clean energy.
- Demonstrate a commitment to equity, environmental justice, and social change.
- Have not yet held a full-time job in conservation or clean energy.
- Be eligible to work in the United States and commit to the full two-year fellowship.
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients are encouraged to apply.
- Applicants do not need to be U.S. citizens but must have work authorization (e.g., through DACA, OPT, or permanent residency). RAY Host Organizations do not sponsor visas.
Application Process
How to Apply
Applications for the 2025-2027 RAY Fellowship cycle are now open! To apply:
- Complete the 2025 RAY Fellowship Application Form.
- Proof of enrollment and a resume are required.
- Respond to the following application questions:
- Personal Experience & Leadership: (500 words max)
Reflect on your lived experiences and how they have shaped your path toward a career in conservation and clean energy. - Future Vision:
Envision the world seven generations from now after resolving today’s environmental crises. What does it look like? How have you contributed to these solutions, and how did the RAY Fellowship support your journey?- This prompt can be answered through text (max 400 words), artwork, video (max 2 minutes), podcast, or other creative mediums.
- Submissions must be shared via URL (Google Drive, YouTube, Vimeo, etc.).
- Personal Experience & Leadership: (500 words max)
- Submit the completed application by March 31, 2025, at 11:59 PM PT.
Key Dates
- March 31, 2025: Applications Due
- April 4, 2025: Phone Screenings Begin
- April 22, 2025: Interviews Begin
- Early June: Finalists Notified
Selection & Placement
Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and those selected for interviews will be asked to choose their top three fellowship positions.
Contact Information
For more details, refer to the FAQ page or reach out to ray@elpnet.org (please include “RAY Fellow Application” in the subject line).
We strongly encourage applications from women, people of color, first-generation college students, and individuals from historically excluded communities. Join us in shaping the future of conservation and clean energy!
More Information
To learn more, please visit here.