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New Roots Institute Fellowship

New Roots Institute

Foundation Annual
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Funding Amount

$2,500

Deadline

May 13, 2026

2 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

New Roots Institute Fellowship

Status: Open, actively accepting applications

Geographic Scope: US and Canada only (as of 2026-04-03, all other international spots have been filled)

Award Amount: $2,500 for fellows completing the full program

Program Description: A selective virtual leadership development program that equips students with skills, network, and support to create change on their campuses and beyond. The fellowship focuses on challenging industrial animal agriculture and building a more just and sustainable food system.

Program Structure

The Fellowship has two phases:

Phase One - Leadership Academy:

  • 6-week virtual summer program

  • Dates: June 30 - August 6, 2026

  • Schedule: Tuesday-Thursday live sessions, 9:00am-12:30pm PT / 12:00-3:30pm ET

  • Time commitment: 18-20 hours per week

  • Covers foundational knowledge about factory farming and core leadership/advocacy skills

    • Phase Two - Academic Year Fellowship:

  • Dates: September 23, 2026 - April 9, 2027

  • Schedule: Flexible, combining weekly virtual programming with hands-on advocacy projects

  • Time commitment: 6+ hours per week (1-3 hours live sessions, 3+ hours independent work)

  • Fellows lead real-world advocacy campaigns on campuses and communities

  • Campaigns focus on improving campus/community food systems, shifting cultural norms, and advancing policy solutions

    • Eligibility Requirements

    Must be:

  • High school, college, or graduate student

  • Able to learn and communicate in English

  • Have consistent, reliable internet access supporting video conferencing

  • Able to attend all required programming at scheduled dates/times

  • Able to join programming from a computer in a quiet location with camera on

  • Willing to complete assignments and project work on time

  • Aligned with New Roots Institute's mission and values

  • Currently attending school in US or Canada

    • Encouraged applicants:

  • Students interested in building a more just and sustainable food system

  • Excited to take action through organizing, campaigning, or community change

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

  • Ready to engage deeply in discussions and written reflections and grow as a leader

    • Funding Details

    Main Fellowship Funding:

  • $2,500 total for fellows completing BOTH phases (Leadership Academy + Academic Year Fellowship)

  • Distributed in five installments of $500 each

  • First $500 after Leadership Academy completion

  • Four remaining installments throughout Academic Year Fellowship

  • Fellows must remain in good standing and meet all program requirements

  • No funding available for Leadership Academy-only participants

    • Empowerment Awards:

  • Limited number of $2,000 merit- and needs-based awards available

  • Offered to select exceptional student leaders and U.S.-based applicants only

  • Must apply to full Fellowship by priority deadline (February 25, 2026)

  • Separate from the $2,500 main funding

  • Recipients notified during acceptance process and can choose to accept or pass award to another student

  • Distributed after successful Leadership Academy completion

    • Program Costs

    • No required program fees
    • Optional voluntary contributions encouraged (do not affect admission or participation)
    • School credit may be available depending on institution requirements

    Support & Accommodations

    • Up to 2 full days (8 individual sessions) may be missed with prior notice and make-up work
    • Personalized support balancing accountability with compassion
    • Program staff help shape flexible schedules compatible with academic commitments
    • Individualized coaching and resources for campaigns
    • Access to continued learning and career development through Alumni Network (600+ alumni)
    • Alumni can mentor current fellows, lead workshops, or pursue paid Teaching Fellowship positions

    Contact Information

    Sara Wilson, Admissions Specialist
    Email: operations@newrootsinstitute.org

    Organization Address:
    New Roots Institute
    1110 N Virgil Ave, Suite 98280
    Los Angeles, CA 90029

    Phone: info@newrootsinstitute.org

    How to Apply

    Application Process

    Timeline:

  • Priority Deadline: February 25, 2026

  • Final Deadline: May 13, 2026

  • Applications reviewed on rolling basis

  • Early application by priority deadline gives better chance of acceptance and guarantees consideration

  • Note: As of current date (2026-04-03), priority deadline has passed; final deadline is May 13, 2026

    • Step 1: Online Application

    1. Complete online application (approximately 60 minutes)
    2. Can pause and resume - progress saves automatically for 15 days (not in Private/Incognito mode)
    3. Application includes:
    - Eligibility check
    - Basic information
    - Three reflection prompts:
    - Two short written responses
    - One short video response (can record directly in application or upload file; no fancy setup/perfect background needed)
    - Optional materials:
    - Resume
    - LinkedIn profile

    Step 2: Virtual Interview

    1. Applicants advancing past first round invited to 20-minute interview
    2. Interview conducted with New Roots Institute staff member
    3. Selection criteria: genuine passion for ending factory farming, emerging leadership, commitment to learning, collaboration, and action

    Application Options

    Applicants can choose to apply for:

  • Full Year Fellowship: Leadership Academy + Academic Year Fellowship (both phases)

  • Summer Leadership Academy Only: Phase One only

    • - Note: If starting with Leadership Academy only, option to apply to Academic Year Fellowship later

    Info Sessions

    Upcoming virtual info sessions to learn more:

  • Thursday, April 16, 2026: 5:00-5:45pm PT

  • Wednesday, May 6, 2026: 5:30-6:15pm PT

    • (Registration links available on website)

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