Roger Arliner Young (RAY) Fellowship Program 2025-2027 (fully-funded to the U.S.)

The Roger Arliner Young (RAY) Fellowship Program is excited to announce that applications for the 2025-2027 fellowship cycle are now open!

This prestigious program aims to foster greater diversity within environmentally-related fields by supporting emerging leaders from underrepresented backgrounds in their pursuit of careers in conservation and clean energy.

About the Fellowship:

Created to honor Dr. Roger Arliner Young, the first Black woman to earn a doctorate in zoology, the RAY Fellowship is a two-year, paid opportunity designed for recent college graduates.

The program comprises two cohorts each year: RAY Conservation Fellows and RAY Clean Energy Fellows.

The fellowship provides a platform for fellows to gain essential skills, experiences, and support needed to thrive in sectors that are inclusive, representative, and driven by diverse perspectives.

Benefits: Why Apply?

The RAY Fellowship offers full-time, competitive entry-level salaries along with comprehensive benefits.

Additionally, each fellow receives a $1,000 stipend for professional development opportunities, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the RAY Fellowship, applicants must:

• Come from an underrepresented background in conservation or clean energy, demonstrating a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Be within three years of graduation and hold a Bachelor’s Degree.
• Not have held a full-time job in the conservation or clean energy sectors.
• Be able to work in the United States and commit to the full duration of the fellowship.

Application Process:

To apply, candidates must complete the online 2025 RAY Fellowship Application Form. Essential documents include proof of enrollment and a resume.

Additionally, applicants are tasked with responding to two significant prompts that encourage introspection and creativity:

1. Reflecting on your personal journey, discuss how your lived experiences have prepared you for a career in conservation and clean energy, and why you’re applying for the RAY Fellowship. (500 word limit)
2. Envision a world seven generations from now, where today’s environmental challenges have been resolved. Describe this future and your contributions to it, as well as how the RAY Fellowship could enhance your leadership. Submissions can take various forms, including videos, poems, or visual art, making sure to keep within specified word limits based on the format.

Tips for a Successful Application:

• Be Authentic: Share your unique experiences and insights. Authenticity resonates with reviewers.
• Creativity Counts: Explore innovative formats for your second prompt response. Consider how your creativity aligns with your passion for advocacy in environmental issues.
• Clarity and Structure: Whether you’re writing or creating, keep your ideas coherent and well-structured.
• Connect to RAY’s Mission: Explicitly link your experiences and vision to the principles of equity, racial justice, and inclusion.
• Consider Community Impact: Reflect on how your journey and the fellowship can empower both you and the communities you represent.

Important Dates:

• Application Deadline: Sunday, March 31, 2025, at 11:59 pm PT
• Phone Screenings Begin: April 4, 2025
• Interviews Start: April 22, 2025
• Final Notifications: Early June 2025

Queries:

For any questions, please refer to our FAQ page or contact us at ray@elpnet.org, with “RAY Fellow Application” in the subject line.

Join the RAY Fellowship Program and be part of a transformative journey in addressing today’s environmental issues while fostering leadership among diverse voices.