New Roots Institute Fellowship 2026–2027: $2,500 Funding, Virtual Leadership Academy & Academic Year Advocacy Program for Students Worldwide

Are you a high school, college, or graduate student ready to transform your passion for climate justice, animal welfare, public health, and food systems reform into real-world action?

The New Roots Institute Fellowship 2026–2027 is now accepting applications for its highly selective, virtual leadership development program designed to equip students with the knowledge, advocacy skills, mentorship, and financial support to challenge industrial animal agriculture on their campuses and beyond.

With a structured two-phase model, personalized coaching, and up to $2,500 in funding per fellow, this fellowship offers a powerful pathway for emerging student leaders to drive measurable change in food systems.

Priority Deadline: February 25, 2026
Final Deadline: May 13, 2026 (or when spots are filled)
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

What Is the New Roots Institute Fellowship?

The New Roots Institute Fellowship is a virtual, two-phase leadership and advocacy program focused on ending factory farming and transforming food systems through student-led action.

The Fellowship equips participants with:

• Deep knowledge of industrial animal agriculture

• Advocacy, organizing, and campaign strategy skills

• Mentorship from experts in policy and leadership

• A powerful alumni network of 600+ advocates

• Financial support to sustain their leadership journey

Students may apply to:

• The Summer Leadership Academy only (Phase One), or

• The Full Fellowship (Leadership Academy + Academic Year Fellowship)

Fellowship Structure: Two Phases of Leadership Development

Phase One: The Leadership Academy (Summer 2026)

Dates: June 30 – August 6, 2026
Live Programming: Tuesday–Thursday each week
Core sessions:
9:00am–12:30pm PT / 12:00–3:30pm ET

Small-group discussion and skill-building sessions meet daily during programming weeks at either:

• 8:00–9:00 am PT / 11:00 am–12:00 pm ET, or

• 12:30–1:30 pm PT / 3:30–4:30 pm ET

Participants select their group upon acceptance.

Time commitment:

• 18–20 hours per week

• 4.5 hours of live programming per day (Tuesday–Thursday)

• Approximately 5 hours of asynchronous work per week

The Leadership Academy builds foundational knowledge about factory farming while developing core skills in leadership, communication, strategy, and advocacy.

Phase Two: Academic Year Fellowship (2026–2027)

Dates: September 23, 2026 – April 9, 2027

The Academic Year Fellowship focuses on hands-on advocacy campaigns designed and led by fellows.

Time commitment:

• 6+ hours per week

• 1–3 hours per week of live virtual sessions

• 3+ hours per week of independent campaign work, planning, and collaboration

Fellows:

• Launch real advocacy campaigns

• Improve campus and community food systems

• Shift cultural norms through education and communications

• Advance policy and legislative solutions

• Receive individualized coaching

This structure is flexible and designed to accommodate full-time academic schedules.

Financial Support: $2,500 Per Fellow + Empowerment Awards

Fellows who complete both phases of the program receive:

$2,500 total funding, issued in five installments of $500:

• First installment after Leadership Academy completion

• Four additional installments during the Academic Year Fellowship

Eligibility for funding requires:

• Participation in both phases

• Remaining in good standing

• Meeting all program requirements

In addition, a limited number of $2,000 Empowerment Awards are available for exceptional U.S.-based applicants who apply by the priority deadline. These awards are merit- and needs-based and distributed after successful completion of the Leadership Academy.

There are no required program fees. Optional contributions are welcome but have no impact on admissions decisions.

Who Can Apply?

To participate, applicants must:

• Be a high school, college, or graduate student

• Be able to learn and communicate in English

• Have reliable internet capable of supporting video conferencing

• Attend required live programming with camera on

• Join from a computer in a quiet location

• Complete assignments and project work on time

• Align with New Roots Institute’s mission and values

International students are eligible if their time zone allows full participation in live sessions. Space for international participants is limited.

Ideal Candidates

The Fellowship is designed for students who are:

• Passionate about climate change, animal welfare, public health, and social justice

• Interested in creating a just and sustainable food system

• Excited to organize, campaign, and lead community change

• Ready to grow as leaders through reflection and collaboration

• Committed to ending factory farming

How to Apply

Step 1: Online Application (Approx. 60 Minutes)

The application includes:

• Eligibility check

• Basic information

• Two short written responses

• One short video response

• Optional resume and/or LinkedIn profile

Applicants can pause and return to the application within 15 days (except in private/incognito mode).

Step 2: Virtual Interview

Applicants who advance will be invited to a 20-minute interview with a New Roots staff member.

Application Deadlines

Priority Deadline: February 25, 2026
Final Deadline: May 13, 2026 (or when all spots are filled)

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applying by the priority deadline guarantees consideration and increases the chance of acceptance.

APPLY HERE

Alumni Network and Long-Term Impact

Graduates join the New Roots Institute Alumni Network of 600+ advocates.

Alumni receive:

• Ongoing leadership development

• Career development programming

• Networking events

• Mentorship opportunities

• Access to paid Teaching Fellowship opportunities

Many alumni pursue careers within the movement to end factory farming and mentor future fellows.

Learn more information about the New Roots Institute Fellowship HERE.

Click HERE to discover more fellowship opportunities on OFY.