The TGIF Environmental Fellows Program is an on-campus paid fellowship program that connects UC Berkeley undergraduate students with campus departments to engage in critical sustainability and environmental justice work.
About:
Ideated in Summer 2025, the Environmental Fellows Program was created from an amendment to the TGIF referendum passed in Spring 2025– with the goal to connect students with paid opportunities with campus departments working towards sustainability or environmental justice issues. This program will give passionate, budding environmentalists a chance to work part-time in an on-campus department, while being immersed in valuable professional development directly informed by student experiences and expertise. Environmental Fellows will not only gain meaningful, paid work experience on-campus in environmental fields, but will also be integrated into the SERC community and its supportive network of driven and impactful student leaders.
This year-long program will have two components: (1) professional development and mentorship, and (2) part-time on-campus experience. Fellows will be expected to attend meetings with the EF Associate, complete independent professional development, and work 5-7 hours per week with their host department.
Student Next Steps:
If you are an undergraduate student interested in intersectionality, environmental justice, and interdisciplinary approaches to environmentalism, you can…
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Complete the On-Campus Employment Experience Survey to help us tailor the EF program to your needs.
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Fill out the EF Interest Form to receive updates about the program, and additional information about host departments being added till the application closes.
- Review our selection of host departments here, and select 3 that interest you. (Check back for additional hosts! We will be adding to this list until the application closes).
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Attend an info-session or office hours.
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Send in your 2026 EF Application by end-of-day Wednesday, July 22nd!
Questions? Email tgif_grants@berkeley.edu.
Campus Host Next Steps:
If you are a campus department interested in supporting student research and action around sustainability and environmental justice, you can....
1. Complete the EF Department Interest Survey to help us tailor the EF program to your needs.
2. Make an appointment with Carli the TGIF Manager to learn more and provide feedback.
3. Fill out the host application form ASAP!
FAQ
Are there any eligibility requirements?
You must have at least two semesters left at UC Berkeley and be a currently-enrolled UC Berkeley student in order to be eligible to apply.
Who will I be working with?
You will be paired with a UC Berkeley host department that works in environmental justice and sustainability based on (1) your interests, and (2) the needs of various departments. We will help match you with an on-campus department.
You will also be required to indicate your top 3 host department choices in the application, paired with 500-word essay question on why.
Do I need any prior experience to apply?
No! We recognize that this may be your stepping stone into a career in environmental work. We are looking for demonstrated passion, commitment, and willingness to learn and grow, above all else.
How long will my placement last?
Your placement will span the first and second semesters of the 2026 - 2027 academic year. You will be onboarded and begin your term in September 2026.
There are less than three host departments listed. How do I approach the application?
We will be adding host departments until the application deadline! Please check this link regularly for more information, and fill out this interest form to receive regular updates.