Fellowships & Scholarships — BEAR Foundation of California

Applications for 2026 BEAR Fellowships will open in late September. Candidates are generally recruited by invitation, but enquiries from exceptional candidates are welcome.

The BEAR Fellowship

The BEAR Fellowship is a one-year fellowship for academic and research professionals holding advanced degrees with diverse academic and personal backgrounds whose career goals focus on inclusive and sustainable economic development. BEAR Fellows demonstrate leadership in their field, as well as commitment and competency to advance social equity as a fundamental part of their environmental problem-solving.

BEAR Fellows are environmental and social change leaders in science, policy, justice, health, economics, advocacy, planning, business, law, and more. BEAR Fellows come from diverse social, academic, and economic backgrounds. They are committed to social equity, interdisciplinary work, applied results, and collaborative leadership.

Fellowship Benefits and Expectations

The fellowship includes an unrestricted $10,000 cash award paid in ten monthly installments. Fellows participate in multi-day retreats during their fellowship year focused on cohort-building, networking, and equity-centered leadership and skills development.

The BEAR Network

A significant and valuable aspect of the fellowship is access to and participation in the BEAR Network: a vibrant community of fellowship alumni that provides professional and personal support and connection to fellows throughout their careers. Current network activities include virtual and in-person networking events, job opportunity and information sharing, webinars and trainings, informal social gatherings, and collaborative grant opportunities.

How to Apply

Applicants must read the eligibility requirements and application guidelines carefully before applying. Successful applications take a lot of time and work, and incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Black, Indigenous and students of color, first-generation college students, and individuals from groups traditionally underrepresented in environmental graduate programs are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications will not be considered complete unless all of the required materials are submitted on time as instructed. We cannot allow any exceptions.

Required Materials

A 2–3 page original essay. The written essay is the best way for us to get a sense of your commitment to positive environmental and social change. The essay is an opportunity for you to reflect on your leadership skills and potential, how you plan to apply your skills and studies to your career, and how you will advance equity as a fundamental part of your environmental problem-solving. You may describe your academic work and how it furthers your goals, but academics should not be the sole focus of the essay. Include specific examples of how you have been or hope to be a leader and contribute to advancing environmental and social change. You may also describe any personal and professional challenges you have overcome to achieve your goals. We welcome a range of communication and leadership styles; communicating your personal story, unique leadership skills and potential, and commitment to applied environmental and social change is more important than polished writing skills. The essay field is limited to 10,000 characters (approximately three pages, single spaced, in 12-point font).
Two professional letters of recommendation. Recommendation letters must be submitted by your recommender directly to the foundation. Letters can be from your academic advisors or close colleagues who know you and your work well, as we ask recommenders to relay specific information and examples of your work. It is helpful for one of the two letters to be from your academic advisor, a committee member, or academic colleague, especially for Ph.D. applicants. Your second recommender can be anyone familiar with your professional or volunteer experience, leadership roles, or other accomplishments. Only two letters of recommendation may be submitted. You are responsible for ensuring that your recommenders send their letters by the application deadline. Recommendation letters must be uploaded in Adobe PDF format.
A current resume. Your resume should include a summary of academic experience, work experience and volunteer activities. Please do not include a CV; we are more interested in your overall work and volunteer experience than a list of your publications and presentations, particularly for Ph.D. students. Please include a brief description of the various roles and responsibilities and indicate the amount of time devoted to each position (e.g., full-time, part-time, seasonal). Resumes must be uploaded in Adobe PDF format.
Most recent graduate academic transcripts. A transcript of your graduate study is required (an unofficial version is acceptable if official transcripts cannot be obtained by the application deadline). Transcripts must be uploaded in Adobe PDF or JPEG format. Undergraduate transcripts are not necessary except in the case of applicants enrolling in one-year master’s programs with no other graduate school experience.
Two short-answer narrative questions. These questions ask: 1) “In three sentences or less, summarize how your post-graduate career objectives will have a positive impact on the environment”; and 2) “Explain how the BEAR Network will help you further your goals, and share what you might contribute to the Network.”

Contacts for Further Information

For eligibility and general questions or technical assistance, contact Cybèle Wells (she/her), Administrative Coordinator for Fellowships and Scholarships.