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 program will have two components: (1) professional development and mentorship, and (2) part-time on-campus experience. Fellows will be expected to attend bi-weekly meetings with the EF Associate, complete 10 hours of 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.
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Attend an info-session or office hours.
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Send in your 2025 EF Application before 5 PM on November 3rd!
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. Email a short blurb about your potential EF program focus area for a chance to participate in the pilot semester program in Spring 2026.
FAQ
Are there any eligibility requirements?
You must have at least two semesters left at UC Berkeley 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 your interests, and the needs of various departments. We will help match you with an on-campus department.
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?
Because this is a pilot year, your placement will only span the second semester of the 2025-2026 AY. You will be onboarded between December 2025 and January 2026, and your fellowship will begin Spring 2026.