Who can apply to be a Fellow? 

Applicants must be U.S. citizens who have graduated with a Bachelor's degree in the past four years and who are currently enrolled and in good academic standing in a graduate program from an accredited college. If you are not currently enrolled but have been accepted to a graduate program for Fall 2024, please be sure to submit your future enrollment verification with your transcripts.

As stated in our mission, we are interested in training a new generation of diverse and inclusive sustainability scientists. To that end, we strongly encourage applicants who are historically underrepresented in STEM fields, including but not limited to students who are Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Hispanic or Latino, female, first-generation college students.

GSS also welcomes LGBTQIA+ students; students who have experienced, and worked to overcome educational or economic disadvantages and/or have personal or family circumstances that may complicate their continued progress in research careers.

No person shall be denied admission to any educational program or activity or be denied employment on the basis of any legally prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status. 

What type of qualities make a strong candidate for this program?

This program is geared toward graduate students in sustainability fields who have completed their bachelor’s degrees in the past four years. Applicants must demonstrate through professional or academic experience that they are self-directed, mature, collaborative, and solutions-oriented and that they have a deep commitment to working in the field of sustainability science. In addition, applicants should be able to articulate their understanding of how equity and inclusion interests intersect the success of sustainability solutions across the globe. Strong candidates must also be able to travel (if applicable this year), be open to learning leadership and professional development skills, and be committed to mentoring undergraduates from underrepresented in the field. Please send an email to gsscholarinfo@gmail.com for questions.

Will Dreamers or DACA recipients be considered as a GSS Fellow?

Because this program travels abroad and may require visas to visit certain countries, all applicants must have legal documentation such asU.S. passport to be eligible. You must have a valid US passport two months prior to travel.

What does a strong GSS Fellow application look like?

Applicants should demonstrate their interest, expertise, and experience in Sustainability research as well as articulate their career goals and how this fellowship will advance them toward these goals. Showing by example is always the strongest way to show your capabilities.  When appropriate, we encourage you to give examples of your resiliency, how you face adversity, and your commitment to Sustainability. In addition, competitive applicants should be able to articulate the role of inclusivity in Sustainability research.  

As stated in our mission, our program is aimed at training a new generation of diverse and inclusive sustainability scientists. To that end, we are looking for scholars who are historically underrepresented in STEM fields, including but not limited to students who are Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, and Hispanic or Latinx, female, first-generation college students. 

Do GSS Fellow applicants need to be in the STEM sciences?

No, however, they must be familiar with the natural and social sciences involved in developing solutions to sustainability goals. For example, GSS Fellows may be working toward a career in communications, advocacy, or public policy.   

What type of work will I be doing as a Fellow?

The Fellowship will be a full-time job experience with professional meetings, communications, and tasks.  During Summer 2024, Fellows will be selected to work with Belmont Forum Collaborative Research Action (CRAs) projects or Earth Lab projects. Belmont Forum CRAs work on issues of Ocean sustainability. Earth Lab is part of the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder and specializes in data-intensive, open, and reproducible environmental science. If you are selected,  we will match your interests and skills with one of our partner organizations & themes.

Is this a paid Fellowship?

Yes.  Fellows are paid USD $8,000 for the ten weeks of full participation.   

Do I have to pay for airfare, housing, and food?

The GSS Program will cover round trip airfare (economy class) and housing in a program house or some similar arrangement. Sleeping arrangements in some countries may require double occupancy in a room. At each host site, the housing will be different and require flexibility.

What costs should I plan for?

GSS participants are responsible for their own healthcare costs, insurance, meals, commuting, and extracurricular activities. GSS cannot reimburse participants for passport expenses, visas, required vaccines, and extra luggage fees. GSS is not responsible for costs associated with missed flights and rescheduled flights due to participants’ changes in plans.

Will I have a mentor as a GSS Fellow?

Yes! This is an important and key piece of the program. You will have a program mentor and an outside mentor. 

More questions for us?

Please email any additional questions to gsscholarinfo@gmail.com.