Advancing sustainability while building the capacity, experience, and networks of local governments and emerging professionals
The Climate Action Fellowship pairs students and professionals with Green Umbrella members to develop practical plans and solutions for a changing climate.
What Is the Climate Action Fellowship?
The Climate Action Fellowship, launched by Green Umbrella in 2024 and modeled after Indiana University’s Resilience Cohort, helps local governments create and carry out climate action plans. Communities get expert training, personalized support, and host a summer fellow who works on projects that deliver real climate progress.
Benefits
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Host organizations receive:
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Added capacity and pipeline for future talent
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Assistance in sustainability research, planning, and project implementation
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Access to innovative ideas and fresh perspectives
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Enhanced community engagement
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Support in funding and resource identification
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Improved cross-department collaboration
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Fellows receive:
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Invaluable experience within the public sector
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Networking and professional development support
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Exposure to policy and government operations
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Opportunity to drive real-world change
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Skill development in climate planning, data analysis, and project management
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Sense of purpose and civic engagement
Questions about the Climate Action Fellowship?
2026 Climate Action Fellowship
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Types of Fellowships
Climate Action
8 positions – 11 weeks
The Climate Action Fellows will support eight local governments across Greater Cincinnati in their climate action planning and implementation goals. The Fellows should have a background in or be interested in local climate action planning, community engagement, and partnership development. The Fellows will be managed by local government staff, supported by Green Umbrella management, and sit in their local government offices. Responsibilities will include researching policy and planning strategies, engaging community members and and partners, building connections across local government departments, and on the government’s sustainability projects for summer 2026. The Fellows will participate in the Climate Action Fellowship training in early summer 2026 and other cohort activities.
Green & Healthy Schools
1 position – 11 weeks
The Green & Healthy Schools (GHS) Fellowship will support communities participating in the Climate Action Fellowship in each of the following areas: green schoolyards, green career pathways, and school community wellness. The fellow will be supervised by the Green and Healthy Schools Director and will primarily focus on connecting and coordinating with school district leaders, local governments, and partner organizations. Early in the fellowship, the Fellow will assist with the Green & Healthy Schools Symposium and support Good Agricultural Practices for Schools pilot. A successful candidate will ideally have an education background and some experience or connection in working with school staff members. The fellow will participate in the Climate Action Fellowship training in early summer 2026 and other cohort activities.
Greenspace
1 position – 11 weeks
The Greenspace Fellowship will support communities participating in Green Umbrella’s Climate Action Fellowship in each of the following areas: greenspace conservation, green infrastructure, and planning/policy. The Fellow will be supervised by the Greenspace Alliance Manager and responsibilities will include reviewing community planning documents, preparing presentations and materials, engaging with local government staff such as planning and zoning officials, and building connections with conservation organizations across the region. This work will directly support the Greenspace Alliance’s goal of integrating its Regional Prioritization Plan (RPP) into local planning processes. A successful candidate will ideally have an education background and some experience or connection in working in conservation, green infrastructure, and/or planning. The fellow will participate in the Climate Action Fellowship training in early summer 2026 and other cohort activities.
2026 Timeline
Applications Open - December 15, 2025
Fellow Applications Close - January 15, 2026 (Host applications close March 31)
Fellows Selected - February 15, 2026
Notification of Placement - April 15, 2026
Fellowship Training - May 26-28, 2026
Fellowship Term - June 1-August 7, 2026*
Showcase - August 12, 2026 (Tentative)
*Fellows will work 40 hours per week for 10 weeks. Management time required from host organizations is approximately 15-20 hours per month. Only Green Umbrella government members are eligible to apply for a 2026 fellow.
2026 Fellowship Hosts
The application period for hosts is open through February 27, 2026.
Fellow Applications
The Climate Action Fellowship opportunity is open to graduate and undergraduate students, as well as individuals at any stage of their career who want to pivot into the climate space. We specifically encourage applications from individuals across underrepresented groups. Fellows will receive training and work directly with local governments in Greater Cincinnati. The application period for the 2026 Fellowship is now closed.
Host Applications
A cohort of Greater Cincinnati local governments will be hosting fellows every summer and taking next steps on climate action. Only Green Umbrella government members are eligible to apply for a fellow. Please ensure your membership is up to date and submit your application to host a fellow by completing the form below by March 31 2026. Learn more about Green Umbrella membership here.
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NEW SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEES
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CLIMATE PLAN PROCESSES INITIATED
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COMMUNITY-BASED CLIMATE PROJECTS
Program History
Testimonials
“In my demanding role, time is a premium and I’m often limited in choosing my schedule. This fellowship far exceeded my expectations and I couldn’t have been more pleased and happy to be with such an interactive team and eager participants. If you’re a supervisor, no need to worry about committing… you won’t be disappointed.”
Brad Johnson, Director of Hamilton County Environmental Services
“The Green Umbrella Climate Action Fellowship has been an invaluable extension of support to the City of Milford. The energy and enthusiasm of the fellows creates a positive environment for change and growth in our government and neighborhoods.”
Tara Means, Milford Community Sustainability Commission Liaison
“The Climate Fellowship gave me a deeper understanding of how local communities like Oxford, Ohio, are taking meaningful steps toward sustainability. Learning about Oxford’s climate action plan showed me how municipal efforts and community-driven initiatives can work hand in hand. This experience reinforced my belief that successful climate action happens at the local level, and it has shaped how I approach community engagement and policy advocacy today.”
David Naibei, 2024 Fellow City of Oxford
Resources
Learn more about the Climate Action Fellowship!
Climate Action Stories
Green Umbrella fellows finish internship with City of Oxford
Published August 18, 2025
Green Umbrella accepting applications for second year of Climate Action Fellowship program
Published February 26, 2025
Green Umbrella's Climate Action Fellowship is sponsored by:
Visionary Sponsors
