New Roots Institute Fellowship | Student Leadership Program

Factory farming is one of the most destructive systems on the planet, fueling climate change, harming animals, and exploiting people and the environment.

We believe students have the power to change that.

The New Roots Institute Fellowship equips high school and college students with the knowledge, leadership skills, mentorship, and funding to create real-world change. Whether you're passionate about climate action, animal welfare, food justice, or sustainability, you'll join a community of students working to build a better food system.

What impact will you create on your campus and in your community?

What Does It Mean To Be A Fellow?

Curious what the Fellowship actually looks like? Hear directly from fellows and alumni, and see the impact you could make.

Why join the New Roots Institute Fellowship video

I'M INTERESTED

New Roots Institute Fellowship Overview

Each fellow designs their own campaign with guidance, mentorship, and support. $2,500 in funding is available throughout the year for each fellow. Some campaign examples include:

FOOD & DINING

Expand plant-based menu options, implement plant-based defaults, and eliminate non-dairy surcharges.

POLICY & INSTITUTIONS

Advance bans on practices like octopus farming and secure institutional commitments to increase plant-based food procurement.

EDUCATION & COMMUNITY

Organize VegFests and educational events, integrate food systems education into curricula, and promote alternatives to animal dissection.

MEDIA & STORYTELLING

Shape public conversations through journalism, op-eds, social media, podcasts, and creative storytelling.

Student on a laptop attending a New Roots Institute virtual session

Phase 1

The Fellowship starts with a six-week interactive summer program: the Leadership Academy, where you’ll learn about the root causes and impacts of factory farming, and how we can dismantle it together. You’ll connect with peers, build leadership skills, and gain insights from movement experts driving change across the food system.

Fellows marching with a Fight Climate Change, End Factory Farming banner

Phase 2

From there, you’ll carry that momentum into the Academic Year Fellowship, designing and leading your own impact campaign on your campus or in your community. You’ll receive personalized coaching, mentorship from peers and alumni, and ongoing support from our team as you take action to help end factory farming.

SEE OUR FULL FELLOWSHIP OVERVIEW

Alumni Network: Life After the New Roots Fellowship

New Roots alumni get lifelong access to a thriving community built for their continued growth, including:

MENTORSHIP

Get matched with leaders in the movement to end factory farming.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Be first in line for jobs and opportunities across the movement.

EXCLUSIVE EVENTS

Connect at community and networking events, virtual and in-person.

ALUMNI NETWORK

Keep lifelong access to our community platforms and alumni network.

Hear From Our Fellows

I’m working to address the lack of awareness about the environmental, ethical, and health impacts of factory farming. Through workshops, campaigns, and educational outreach, I’m introducing plant-based alternatives and encouraging more sustainable food choices among youth.

CALVIN B.

My efforts over the course of the past two years recently led to the removal of the oatmilk upcharge at UCSD! I also hosted multiple plant-based cooking and food tasting events and led social media campaigns with UCSD dining.

ARPI K.

Joining this program was critical for my development as an advocate against factory farming, not only because of the knowledge and skills I’ve gained or the wide network to which I’ve been connected, but also because it opened my eyes to the diversity and power of the many paths in this movement.

LUCY W.