The RCC Fellowship Program is designed to identify students with a passion for environmental education, organizing and advocacy and provide them with training in Washington, DC, mentorship from RCC environmental staff, and financial support to do the valuable work they care about and become life-long advocates for the environment.
****Applicants must be planning to be enrolled at a U.S. college or university ( for undergraduate or masters education) for the Fall 2025-Spring 2026 school year.****
RCC Fellows become leaders and active participants in the RCC’s national campus program with over 5,000 active faculty, students, staff and administrators at 56 campuses. As part of the RCC team, Fellows also help build RCC’s network of active students and faculty and have the opportunity to publish and speak on behalf of a respected national organization.
The RCC Fellowship program is a paid opportunity. RCC Fellows will receive a $2,000 stipend for their work over the course of the year. Furthermore, Fellows will attend a training in Washington, DC this summer, hosted by RCC staff to sharpen their organizing skills. Lastly, Fellows will develop critical contacts and experience as they look forward to careers in the environmental movement. De
****Applicants should contact the UMD National Scholarships Office for advice and essay reviews/feedback by writing to scholarships@umd.edu ****
Successful RCC Fellowship applicants will demonstrate:
---Passion for environmental education, organizing or advocacy and that they have identified an issue they wish to work on.
---Strong academic performance with an emphasis on the environment in various disciplines or majors.
---Outstanding writing and research with ability to meet deadlines and follow specific content and formatting instructions.
---Participation and leadership in campus environmental or related justice activities
---Initiative and the capacity to perform creative problem solving and deal with uncertainty.
---Appreciation for the mission, goals, and issues of the Rachel Carson Council and Rachel Carson’s legacy.
---Passion for environmental education, organizing or advocacy and that they have identified an issue they wish to work on.
---Strong academic performance with an emphasis on the environment in various disciplines or majors.
---Outstanding writing and research with ability to meet deadlines and follow specific content and formatting instructions.
---Participation and leadership in campus environmental or related justice activities
---Initiative and the capacity to perform creative problem solving and deal with uncertainty.
---Appreciation for the mission, goals, and issues of the Rachel Carson Council and Rachel Carson’s legacy.
Benefits Fellows will receive:
---A $2,000 stipend over the fellowship term
---National recognition as an RCC Fellow
---Experience in professional writing and opportunities to publish
---Training and mentorship from environmental professionals on the RCC staff
---Professional experience organizing and working for a national environmental non-profit
---Training in advocacy, organizing, and writing as well as mentorship under RCC staff
---Tuition, room, board and participation in residence at the RCC American Environmental Leadership Institute (AELI), July 20-24, 2025)
---Access to the RCC National Advisory Council and RCC Alumni Network
---A $2,000 stipend over the fellowship term
---National recognition as an RCC Fellow
---Experience in professional writing and opportunities to publish
---Training and mentorship from environmental professionals on the RCC staff
---Professional experience organizing and working for a national environmental non-profit
---Training in advocacy, organizing, and writing as well as mentorship under RCC staff
---Tuition, room, board and participation in residence at the RCC American Environmental Leadership Institute (AELI), July 20-24, 2025)
---Access to the RCC National Advisory Council and RCC Alumni Network