If you’re a rising professional from the Global South with five to ten years of experience and a passion for climate action, the Yale Jackson School’s Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship 2026 is tailor-made for you. The program seeks individuals who have already demonstrated a strong regional or national impact in sectors like clean energy, policy, finance, civil society, journalism, or education.
You’ll need a robust résumé of no more than three pages, a compelling personal statement of up to 600 words, a short video introduction, and a letter of recommendation. Since selection is intensely competitive and cohort composition values geographic and sectoral diversity, your narrative should uniquely reflect both your accomplishments and your future vision.
In your personal statement, precision and authenticity matter most. Go beyond listing achievements—reflect on a transformative moment that shaped your commitment to climate action, describe how you’ve influenced change at a local or national level, and connect that story to your vision for global leadership.
A crisp video statement is a golden opportunity to let your character and energy come through. Speak steadily, articulate your vision confidently, and deliver your message succinctly in under two minutes.
Choosing a recommender who knows your work intimately is critical. Provide them with details about the fellowship’s requirements and your application materials so their endorsement is specific and informed. A generic recommendation won’t cut through—the strongest letters come from people who can speak to your leadership potential and track record in climate or energy sectors. Since no cost is involved and the program covers all travel for the Yale orientation in February 2026 and closing sessions in Paris in June, express your readiness to engage fully and your clear plan for attending all program sessions.
Given the online application portal allows ongoing edits until submission, start early. Draft your résumé and statement in advance, gather your recommendation letter proactively, and record your video in a distraction-free setting.
Practice speaking slowly and clearly and choose neutral visuals or a clean background. Stay mindful that deadlines are firm: submissions close at 11:59 AM on August 1, 2025. Finalists are chosen for their clear potential to leverage the experience in meaningful ways—think through how you would use the program’s network and global exposure once the fellowship ends, and weave those ideas into your statement.
To boost your application, bridge your narrative with preparation. Research previous fellows’ profiles to grasp the caliber of peers you’ll join. Start building connections in clean energy or climate policy spaces via regional networks or online forums. If you can, reach out to faculty or alumni for tips on what made successful applications stand out. Paint a clear picture of your ambition to grow professionally, influence policy or industry shifts, and collaborate with peers around the world.
By crafting a story that highlights your achievements and future trajectory, preparing polished application materials well ahead of time, and showing readiness to fully participate in every session, you’ll position yourself as an ideal candidate for this transformative fellowship. With careful storytelling, thoughtful preparation, and committed follow-through, your application can shine—and propel your path as an emerging climate leader.
