Deadline: May 16, 2025
Applications are open for the Octavia E. Butler Fellowship Program 2025. This fellowship is named in the honor of science fiction writer Octavia E. Butler, one of the progenitors of afro-futurism. EcoHealth Strategies is a form of afro-futurism in that they believe their work will not only safeguard the future, but it will help shape it.Theye are inspired by the past, future and present – combining storytelling, history, justice, technology and so much more.
This fellowship is an opportunity for an undergraduate or graduate student to gain hands-on experience in climate policy, energy justice, and community-based research. Fellows will also receive networking opportunities with industry professionals, stakeholders and community leaders. The fellow will support ongoing projects related to program design and evaluation, data collection and visualization, climate resiliency assessments, public engagement, stakeholder coordination and strategic planning for clean energy initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Assist with data collection, cost/benefit analysis for climate and energy projects
- Support stakeholder engagement efforts (surveys, focus groups, interviews)
- Conduct policy and program research on clean energy, workforce development, and climate resilience measures
- Develop reports, presentations, and communications materials
- Attend and support community meetings, workshops, and industry events
- Perform general project coordination and administrative tasks as needed
- Use ArcGIS and complementary data visualization tools to map geographies and localities
Benefits
- Fellows will receive $7,500 for Summer Placement.
Eligibility
- They are seeking current Graduate Students or recent Masters and PhD student graduates in public policy or administration, environmental science, urban planning, sustainability, or related fields
- Proficient in quantitative data tools and analytical methods
- Passionate about engaging diverse communities on climate equity, clean energy, and environmental justice
- Strong researcher, writer, and communicator
- Self-starter, detail-oriented and comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative and mission-driven environment
- Strong inter-personal skills and comfortable engaging with multi-sector stakeholders
- Hybrid Role: Fellow must be based in Chicago with the ability to attend in-person events
Application
Applicants will need to submit
- Resume
- Portfolio (a data portfolio, past research paper or data-driven report related to climate, energy, or sustainability)
- Response to the following question (250 words max): What does climate action mean to you, and what key skills do you believe are essential to achieving it?
For more information, visit Octavia E. Butler Fellowship.
