Apply to the New Roots Institute Fellowship

How to Apply

Application Deadline

Wednesday, February 25th, 2026
Priority Deadline: Apply for guaranteed consideration!

Wednesday, May 13th, 2026
Final Deadline

What to expect

The Fellowship application begins with a quick eligibility check and gathering some basic information about you. You’ll then complete three reflection prompts: two short written responses and one short video submission. For the video submission, you’ll be able to record your video directly in the application or upload a video file. There’s no need for a fancy setup or perfect background – we’re focused on what you have to say, not production quality.
You’ll have the option to provide your résumé and LinkedIn profile. These are not required, but they help us get to know you better!
Expect the application to take about 60 minutes. You can always pause and come back to the application if needed – your progress will save automatically for 15 days (except in Private/Incognito mode).

Choose which programs to apply for

The full year New Roots Institute Fellowship (Leadership Academy + Academic Year Fellowship)
Summer Leadership Academy

Eligibility

To participate in our Fellowship, you must be:

Aligned with our mission
Enrolled in school for the current (2025-2026) or upcoming (2026–2027) academic year
At least 13 years old
Able to learn and communicate in English
Have consistent, reliable internet access that can support video conferencing
Able to join all live, synchronous sessions on the scheduled dates and times from a computer, in a quiet location, with your camera on
Willing to complete all assignments and project work on time

We encourage you to apply if you are...

A high school or college student
Eager to take part in building a more just and sustainable food system by organizing, campaigning, and creating change on your campus and in your community.
Passionate about issues like climate change, animal welfare, public health, social and environmental justice.
Aligned with New Roots Institute’s mission and values.
Ready to dedicate time and energy into meaningful discussions and written reflections that help you become an effective leader.

Learn More About the Fellowship

Following the Leadership Academy, you are well-equipped to launch into the Academic Year Fellowship, where you can apply your foundational knowledge and leadership skills to real-world advocacy campaigns.

We encourage you to consider applying to both phases now, or if you'd prefer, you can complete Phase 1 first and apply to Phase 2 at its conclusion. Pursuing both phases deepens your impact and accelerates your growth as a leader, as you move from building core competencies to implementing them strategically within your community.

Phase One: The Leadership Academy
June 30 - August 6, 2026

Ready to become the leader our food system needs?

Overview

The Leadership Academy is your launchpad into meaningful change. Over six transformative weeks, you'll dive deep into how factory farming really works—and more importantly, how we can dismantle it. Connect with other passionate changemakers, learn directly from movement leaders who are already succeeding, and build the skills to create real impact on your campus and beyond.

Schedule

June 30 - August 6, 2026
Live programming runs Tuesday - Thursday each week
‍
Core programming:
9:00am-12:30pm PT // 12:00-4:30pm ET
‍
Discussion & Skill Building Groups:
Fellows participate in small-group sessions which take place at either 8:00–9:00 am or 12:30–1:30 pm PT each day of programming (Tuesday - Thursday).

Fellows attend the same session consistently throughout the program.

Time commitment

The Leadership Academy is a live, virtual fellowship that meets synchronously on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays for 4.5 hours each day, with an additional ~5 hours of asynchronous work per week.

Cost

There are no required fees to participate in the Leadership Academy. Participation in both phases of the Fellowship is fully funded through the generosity of New Roots Institute’s supporters. Fellows are invited—but not required—to make an optional contribution to help sustain the program. Contributions do not affect admission or participation.

Financial Support

Financial support is available to all fellows who participate in the full New Roots Institute Fellowship. See the FAQ for more details.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Phase Two: The Academic Year Fellowship
September 23, 2026 - April 9, 2027

Overview

Ready to turn your passion into real-world impact? The Academic Year Fellowship is where you launch your own advocacy campaign, build a team of changemakers, and shift the conversation around factory farming in your community. With personalized coaching, mentorship from movement veterans, and a powerful network backing you up, you'll gain the skills and confidence that turn activists into movement builders who actually win.

Schedule

September 21, 2026 - April 9, 2027
‍
The Academic Year Fellowship features weekly virtual programming in conjunction with on-campus advocacy projects. We collaborate with fellows to build a schedule that aligns with their availability. Fellows can expect to dedicate approximately 6 or more hours per week, including 1-3 hours of scheduled sessions and 3+ hours of project and campaign work.

Time commitment

The Academic Year Fellowship includes a mix of live programming (1-3 hours a week) with asynchronous work and self-directed campaign work (3+ hours a week).

Cost

There are no required fees to participate in the Academic Year Fellowship. Participation in both phases of the Fellowship is fully funded through the generosity of New Roots Institute’s supporters. Fellows are invited—but not required—to make an optional contribution to help sustain the program. Contributions have no effect on admission or participation.

Financial Support

Financial support is available to all fellows who participate in the full New Roots Institute Fellowship. See the FAQ for more details.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ACADEMIC YEAR FELLOWSHIP

FAQs

Eligibility & Application

Who is eligible to apply?

You are eligible to apply if

You are eager to take part in building a more just and sustainable food system by organizing, campaigning, and creating change on your campus and in your community.
You are a high school, college, or graduate student. (If you are starting high school in the fall or you are graduating from college or graduate school in spring 2026, you are eligible.)
You can learn and communicate in English.
You have consistent, reliable internet access.
You are able to join all programming from a computer, in a quiet location, with your camera on.
You are available to attend all live, virtual programming sessions on the scheduled dates and times.
You are aligned with our mission and values.

Can I apply from outside the United States?

Can I apply from outside the
United States?

Yes. Students living outside the United States are welcome to apply if their time zone allows full participation in live programming and they meet all other eligibility criteria. Space for international participants is limited.

Can I choose whether to apply for the Leadership Academy or the full New Roots Institute Fellowship?

Can I choose whether to apply
for the Leadership Academy
or the full New Roots
Institute Fellowship?

Yes. Applicants can choose to apply for either the full New Roots Institute Fellowship, which includes both the Leadership Academy and the Academic Year Fellowship, or for the Leadership Academy only. Fellows who are accepted into the Leadership Academy without initially applying for the full Fellowship will have the opportunity to apply for the Academic Year Fellowship near the end of the Leadership Academy.

When are applications due?

The priority deadline is February 25, 2026 and the final deadline is May 12, 2026. Apply by the priority deadline for guaranteed consideration.

What is the application process like?

What is the application
process like?

Applicants complete an online application that includes basic information, short-answer questions, and one video response. Those who advance to the next stage are invited to a 20-minute virtual interview with New Roots staff. We look for applicants who show a genuine passion for ending factory farming, emerging leadership, and a commitment to learning, collaboration, and action throughout the Fellowship.

Program Details

What is the Leadership Academy, and what is the time commitment?

What is the Leadership
Academy, and what is
the time commitment?

The Leadership Academy, the first phase of the New Roots Institute Fellowship, builds the foundation for leadership and advocacy in creating a just and sustainable food system. Fellows explore the impacts of factory farming on animals, people, and the planet, and develop core leadership and advocacy skills.

The Leadership Academy is six weeks, and runs from June 30 to August 6, 2026. Live sessions take place Tuesday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. PT / 12:00–3:30 p.m. ET, and each fellow also participates in one small-group discussion session per day, at either 8:00–9:00 a.m. PT / 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. ET or 12:30–1:30 p.m. PT / 3:30–4:30 p.m. ET.

Outside of live, virtual programming, fellows can expect to spend approximately five hours per week on readings, reflections, and project work.

What is the Academic Year Fellowship, and what is the time commitment?

What is the Academic Year
Fellowship, and what is
the time commitment?

The Academic Year Fellowship, the second phase of the New Roots Institute Fellowship, is where fellows lead advocacy campaigns on their campuses and in their communities, applying the leadership, communication, and organizing skills developed during the Leadership Academy.

The Academic Year Fellowship runs from September 23, 2026, through April 9, 2027. The Academic Year Fellowship features weekly live, virtual programming in conjunction with on-campus advocacy projects. We collaborate with fellows to build a schedule that aligns with their availability. Fellows typically dedicate approximately 6 or more hours per week, including 1–3 hours of scheduled sessions and 3+ hours of project and campaign work.

What happens if I can't attend every session during the Leadership Academy?

What happens if I can't attend
every session during the
Leadership Academy?

Fellows may miss up to two full days (or eight individual sessions, the equivalent of two days) of programming during the Leadership Academy with prior notice and completion of required make-up work. If you anticipate needing to miss more than this, please let us know before applying using the contact details below to discuss your unique situation.

What kinds of campaigns do fellows lead during the Academic Year Fellowship?

What kinds of campaigns do
fellows lead during the
Academic Year Fellowship?

Fellows lead real-world advocacy campaigns supported by a specialized curriculum and mentorship from New Roots staff and partner organizations. Campaigns may focus on transforming campus and community food systems through sustainable dining initiatives, persuasive education and communication, or legislative advocacy. Fellows work to expand access to plant-based meals, shift cultural and institutional norms, and advance policy solutions that reduce the harms of factory farming. Each fellow receives individualized coaching and resources tailored to their campaign goals.

Can I receive school credit?

Whether or not you can receive internship credit, course credit, or independent study credit depends on the requirements of your school. If the Leadership Academy or Academic Year Fellowship meets your school’s requirements to receive credit, we are happy to work with you to fill those requirements. Please reach out using the contact details below with any questions.

What happens after I complete the program?

What happens after I complete
the program?

Graduates join the New Roots Institute Alumni Network—a vibrant and growing community of more than 600 advocates dedicated to ending factory farming. Alumni gain access to continued learning, leadership development, and career growth through programming, events, and connections with fellow advocates. Many give back by mentoring current fellows, sharing expertise in workshops, and pursuing opportunities such as the paid Teaching Fellowship, which allows alumni to support future cohorts.

Funding & Support

Can I receive funding during the Fellowship?

Fellows who participate in the full New Roots Institute Fellowship (both the Leadership Academy and the Academic Year Fellowship) are eligible to receive up to five project grants of $500 each (a total of up to $2,500).

The first grant is awarded after the Leadership Academy, and the remaining grants are distributed throughout the Academic Year Fellowship.

Fellows must be in good standing and meet all program requirements to remain eligible.Fellows who participate only in the Leadership Academy are not eligible for project grants.

Are there additional financial awards available?

A small number of Empowerment Awards of $2,000 are available to exceptional student leaders. These awards are separate from project grants and are both merit- and needs-based, celebrating fellows whose leadership, commitment, and alignment with our mission exemplify the spirit of the Fellowship.

Because the awards are limited, they are offered to select U.S.-based applicants who apply to the full New Roots Institute Fellowship by the priority deadline. If you’re selected to receive an Empowerment Award, you’ll be notified and can choose to accept it—or, if you don’t need it, pass it on to support another student. Awards are distributed to recipients after successful completion of the Leadership Academy.

Do I need to pay to participate in the Fellowship?

There are no required program fees. At New Roots Institute, we don’t want finances to be a barrier to participation in our leadership development programs. We are committed to making our programs accessible to all passionate and dedicated students, regardless of their financial circumstances.

Students are invited—but not required—to make an optional contribution to help sustain the program. Contributions are entirely voluntary and have no impact on admission decisions or participation.

What kinds of additional support will I receive?

What kinds of addiitonal support will I receive?

Fellows receive individualized coaching, mentorship from alumni, and campaign advising from experts. They also join a supportive peer community and gain access to guest speakers and movement leaders who guide their development.

How do you support fellows who face challenges or competing priorities?

We recognize that every student faces obstacles. Our approach balances accountability with compassion: we maintain high expectations while providing personalized support to help fellows stay engaged and succeed.

Contact & Inquiries

Who can I contact with additional questions?

Please reach out to Sara Wilson, Admissions Specialist, with any additional questions about the New Roots Institute Fellowship.