The UC Davis Climate Action Fellows (CAF) Program is accepting applications for 2026–27. Eligible undergraduate and graduate students can receive a $5,000 fellowship award, sustainability mentorship, professional development, networking opportunities and hands-on experience supporting climate action projects. Applications close September 15, 2026.
The UC Davis Climate Action Fellows (CAF) Program is offering undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to gain practical experience in sustainability and climate action while contributing to projects supporting the university’s environmental priorities.
For the 2026–27 fellowship cycle, selected fellows will receive a $5,000 award, individualized mentorship from UC Davis sustainability professionals, professional development opportunities and the chance to collaborate with other Climate Action Fellows across the University of California system.
The application deadline is September 15, 2026.
Background & Fellowship Description
The Climate Action Fellows program is designed to engage students in advancing UC’s climate action goals. According to UC Davis, fellows contribute to new and ongoing projects and activities that support campus sustainability priorities.
The program is funded through the University of California President’s Global Climate Leadership Council (GCLC) as part of the Leading on Climate initiative.
The fellowship aims to give students an opportunity to help shape climate action programs while supporting broader goals related to greenhouse gas reduction, sustainability, resilience and environmental health.
This makes the opportunity relevant to students interested in areas such as:
- Climate action
- Environmental sustainability
- Renewable energy
- Environmental policy
- Sustainability management
- Climate resilience
- Environmental justice
- Sustainable development
- Community engagement
- Environmental research
Fellowship Benefits
Selected Climate Action Fellows receive several forms of financial and professional support.
$5,000 Fellowship Award
Each fellow is awarded $5,000. UC Davis states that the award is divided into three portions and distributed midway through the Fall, Winter and Spring quarters.
Applicants should note that fellows must be eligible for employment as a UC Davis student assistant to receive the award. UC Davis indicates that alternative arrangements may or may not be possible for individuals who are not eligible for employment.
Individualized Mentorship
Fellows receive individualized mentorship from UC Davis or UC Davis Health sustainability professionals.
This provides participants with an opportunity to work with experienced professionals while developing their understanding of sustainability and climate action initiatives.
Professional Development
The program also includes experiential learning and professional development opportunities.
These can include:
- Leadership training
- Networking opportunities
- UC-wide activities
- Cohort-building experiences
- Meetings with sustainability professionals
- Exposure to climate action initiatives
Fellows also become part of a cohort of Climate Action Fellows, creating opportunities to collaborate and learn from other students.
Eligibility Requirements
The 2026–27 Climate Action Fellows Program is open to full-time enrolled UC Davis undergraduate and graduate students who are in good academic standing.
Applications are evaluated based on several factors, including:
- Commitment to climate action principles
- Familiarity with climate action concepts
- Collaborative ability
- Ability to contribute effectively to a team
- Likelihood of successfully completing fellowship project goals
- Maturity
- Attention to detail
Applicants should demonstrate how their academic background, experience and interests connect with climate action and sustainability.
Fellowship Period and Time Commitment
The 2026–27 fellowship is scheduled to run from:
Start date: September 21, 2026
End date: June 10, 2027
Fellows are expected to contribute approximately 5–8 hours per week on average.
UC Davis notes that weekly hours may vary, allowing for periods of higher or lower workloads depending on fellowship activities and project requirements.
Participants are also expected to attend Climate Action Fellow cohort meetings, which may take place weekly or biweekly either in person or through Zoom.
Fellow Responsibilities
Climate Action Fellows contribute to sustainability activities while working with program mentors and other stakeholders.
Responsibilities can include representing UC Davis Sustainability and the Climate Action Fellows program at outreach activities, workshops, recruitment events and professional events.
Fellows may also participate in meetings involving:
- Sustainability staff
- Community partners
- University stakeholders
- Other fellows
- Climate action program coordinators
The program also includes UC-wide activities, meetings and training.
According to the 2026–27 guidelines, fellows are expected to participate in a virtual orientation, leadership training, a closing symposium and poster presentation, as well as additional cohort and climate leadership activities.
An in-person event is scheduled for November 13–15, 2026, in the Santa Cruz mountains, with transportation support and/or reimbursement provided according to the program information.
Application Requirements
Students interested in the fellowship need to complete the application process through Handshake.
The application instructions provided by UC Davis include the following steps:
- Submit an application on Handshake by searching for “UC Davis Climate Action Fellow (CAF) – BYA 9920.”
- Review the 2026–27 Climate Action Fellowship Project Description.
- Complete the 2026–2027 Climate Action Fellows Program Application Form.
- Upload the required supporting documents.
Applicants are asked to provide:
- Completed application form
- Current resume or CV
- Current advising or unofficial transcripts
- A work sample
The work sample should generally be a 1–2 page example of previous work demonstrating writing, communication, creativity or other skills relevant to the fellowship.
Students who do not have a suitable work sample can instead submit a professionally formatted cover letter explaining how their experience qualifies them for the opportunity.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the 2026–27 UC Davis Climate Action Fellows Program is September 15, 2026.
Students interested in applying should prepare their application materials early, particularly the resume, transcript and work sample.
The program’s official page should be checked for any updates to application instructions or requirements before submission.
Official UC Davis fellowship information: UC Davis Climate Action Fellows Program
Why This Fellowship Could Be Valuable for Students
The CAF program combines financial support with practical sustainability experience.
Rather than being limited to classroom learning, fellows participate in projects and activities connected to UC Davis climate priorities. The mentorship component can also help students understand how sustainability professionals approach real-world environmental challenges.
The cross-campus cohort provides another potential benefit. Students can develop connections with peers involved in climate action while participating in UC-wide training, meetings and professional development activities.
For students considering careers in environmental sustainability, climate policy, renewable energy, environmental management or related areas, this type of experiential opportunity can complement academic studies and help demonstrate practical skills to future employers or graduate programs.
Final Takeaway
The UC Davis Climate Action Fellows Program 2026–27 provides eligible undergraduate and graduate students with a combination of financial support, mentorship, professional development and hands-on sustainability experience.
Selected fellows receive a $5,000 award and participate in a fellowship running from September 2026 through June 2027. The program requires an average commitment of 5–8 hours per week and includes climate action projects, cohort meetings, professional events and UC-wide activities.
With the application deadline set for September 15, 2026, eligible UC Davis students interested in climate action and sustainability should review the requirements and prepare their application materials ahead of the deadline.
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