Role Type: Undergraduate Summer Fellowship
Institution: University of Notre Dame (JTS Initiative)
Value: Up to $5,000 Financial Support
Eligibility: Current Notre Dame Undergraduates (All Majors)
Deadline: March 17, 2026
Application Status: Open Now
Overview of the Opportunity
The Just Transformations to Sustainability (JTS) Initiative at the University of Notre Dame is inviting applications for its prestigious Sustainability in Action Fellowship. This program is designed to cultivate a network of students dedicated to building a more just and sustainable world.
This fellowship is unique because it supports research, service, or professional internships that you have already planned for Summer 2026. It adds a layer of financial support (up to $5,000), mentorship, and community to your summer experience. Whether you are an engineer, a philosopher, or a business student, if your summer work touches on sustainability, this fellowship is for you.
Why Become a Fellow? (Benefits)
This program offers more than just a check; it offers a pathway to leadership in sustainability.
1. Financial Support
- Selected fellows can receive up to $5,000 to support their summer activities (e.g., covering living expenses during an unpaid internship or research costs).
2. Community & Mentorship
- Join a multidisciplinary community of like-minded peers.
- Benefit from structured mentorship and networking opportunities.
- Participate in peer-to-peer learning sessions.
3. Professional Visibility
- Fall Symposium: Present your work at the inaugural Sustainability in Action Fall Symposium in Fall 2026. This is a prime platform to showcase your achievements to faculty, alumni, and the broader Notre Dame community.
Eligibility Criteria
This opportunity is exclusive to University of Notre Dame students.
1. Student Status
- University: Open to all Notre Dame undergraduates.
- Returning Students: You must be a "returning student" in Fall 2026 (i.e., you cannot be graduating in Spring 2026).
- Majors: Open to students from all majors, colleges, and schools.
2. Summer Activity Requirement
- The Core Rule: You must plan to engage in sustainability-focused research, service, or a professional internship during Summer 2026.
- Status of Activity: You must have already applied for (or been accepted to) this formal summer program.
- Contingency: If you have applied but haven't heard back yet, you can still apply for the Fellowship. However, receiving the Fellowship is contingent upon being accepted into your summer program by March 17, 2026.
Fellowship Timeline & Requirements
The commitment extends beyond the summer. Here is the roadmap for a Fellow:
Spring 2026 (Preparation)
- Cohort Meeting: Participate in an inaugural meeting to meet other fellows and help shape the Fall Symposium.
Summer 2026 (Action)
- Conduct your sustainability research, service, or internship.
Fall 2026 (Reflection & Presentation)
- Blog Post: Write a short (500-word) blog post summarizing your experience.
- Presentation: Draft a presentation on your key accomplishments and learnings.
- Symposium: Present at the Fall Symposium.
- Debrief: Participate in a feedback session to improve the program for future years.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must submit their online application by the deadline. Ensure you have details about your planned summer activity ready.
Deadline: Tuesday, March 17, 2026