Students

Sustainability careers start here

Prepare yourself for a career in sustainability by serving as a McKinney Climate Fellow.

The McKinney Climate Fellows program is a workforce-development program focused on providing real-world, hands-on experience for both undergraduate and graduate students interested in the sustainability field. Fellows tackle climate, sustainability and community resilience projects and challenges across the state of Indiana.

Applications for Summer 2024 are now closed. Sign up to receive email alerts about the Summer 2025 application period.

 

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Join a network of sustainability professionals

Connect with other sustainability professionals in Indiana on our LinkedIn group.

Join the network

Professional experience in sustainability

Student eligibility

  • Be a current undergraduate or graduate student from any IU campus of good academic standing, including international students, enrolled at IU for the duration of the placement
  • Possess valid US work authorization
  • For summer positions, available to work full-time (40 hours/week) for 10 - 12 weeks between May and August. For fall or spring positions, available to work part time (12.5 - 15 hours/week) between August and April
  • Able to relocate to the location of the organization
  • Able to attend Climate Camp (tentatively scheduled for May 11, 2024)

Student benefits

  • Get paid: $5,200 for undergraduate students; $6,400 for graduate students
  • Gain hands-on work experience and grow as a professional in the field of sustainability in an immersive, real-world setting
  • Access professional development and resources in the environmental field
  • Meet and learn from a network of peers passionate about sustainability across the state through Zoom sessions, weekly Climate Connection groups, and discussions with MCF alumni
  • Highlight your work at the IU Sustainability Symposium, the annual MCF Celebration, or other ERI-hosted events
  • Earn internship credit (optional)

Interning as a McKinney Climate Fellow was one of the best experiences of my life. I had the opportunity to give back to the state of Indiana while staying connected and learning from other students and experts in the field of environmental sustainability. Through this experience, I was able to gain practical skills that are crucial for my professional and academic goals.

Isioma Nwayor, fellow with the City of Goshen

Learn more

McKinney Climate Fellows homepage

Read about the McKinney Climate Fellows

MCF alumni Q&A series

Read about the early career experiences of past McKinney Climate Fellows.

Partners

Dozens of Indiana organizations have hosted a McKinney Climate Fellow. Could your organization be the next one?