Program Details
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Over the course of 10-12 weeks, the Climate Corps fellows work with their host organization to identify, analyze or implement energy efficiency solutions and share those results with EDF in the form of a written report and financial model.
MBA and MPA fellows hail from the country's top academic programs, including those at The University of Michigan, MIT, Stanford University and Yale University. Applicants for the 2011 Climate Corps class came from a wide range of top tier academic programs. Fellows are chosen for their ability to do technical and financial analyses, manage projects and help facilitate organizational change.
EDF Climate Corps fellows are not expected to have a background in energy efficiency, though experience in this field does help.
Program timeline
| Initial Steps | Application Deadlines |
|---|---|
|
September-December 2011 On-campus recruiting events; see edfclimatecorps.org for schedule and details October 28, 2011 Meet the EDF team at the Net Impact Conference Expo and attend our reception at the Eco-Trust that evening. November 1, 2011 Fellow application available online |
January 11, 2012 Fellow application submission deadline February 23, 2012 Host application submission deadline February-April 2012 April 30, 2012 2012 EDF Climate Corps fellows confirmed |
Final steps
April 30, 2012 EDF Climate Corps fellows confirmed
April-May Fellow works with host supervisor to draft summer workplan
May 2012 EDF Climate Corps training for fellows
June-August 2012 Fellowships last a minimum of 10 weeks. The exact number of weeks will depend on the individual fellow's school schedule and the host organization's preference.
August 2012 Fellows make final presentations to their host organization and prepare final reports for EDF.
August-September 2012 EDF reviews and aggregates results from each fellow. The aggregate results of this program will be made public in order to maximize both environmental and business benefits. However, EDF will not refer to any organization's program or results publicly without prior written approval.
After the fellowship
EDF's objective is to demonstrate that energy efficiency saves energy and therefore saves organizations money. EDF staff will follow-up with the host organizations to find out whether identified measures are implemented and the resulting energy savings six months, 12 months and 24 months after the fellowship is complete.
How to apply
Due January 11, 2012 - 5 pm PT
Applicants will be matched with host organizations as they confirm their participation. A full list of host organizations may not be available at the time you interview, however we will discuss organizations in the pipeline and your preferences.
Organizations confirm their participation in February. We plan to have all host organizations confirmed when the interview period starts, however some organizations may sign up in March and will be matched in late March.
Interviewing and matching process
Screening: Applications are screened for a combination of the following qualifications:
- Superior oral and written communication skills
- Self-starter with strong project management experience
- Graduate-level background in financial analysis
- Consulting, corporate advisory or large company experience
- Eligibility to work in the United States during the summer 2012
- Resourcefulness and ability to work both independently and on cross-functional teams
Interviewing: EDF conducts all interviews via Skype. There are two interviews. The first interview is conducted by two EDF Climate Corps staff members and measures candidates against our core selection criteria. The second interview is conducted by on EDF Climate Corps staff member and is focused on finding the appropriate match based on organizational culture and summer workplan.
If you don't have Skype, you can download it here.
Matching: While candidates cannot apply for a specific company, city or university, EDF will share confirmed organizations during the interview. We will have a candid conversation about candidates’ relevant experience, host organization’s needs and candidate preferences in order to make the best match.
In some cases, candidates may be asked to accept or reject the fellowship offer before knowing specific placement.
Reference check: References provided are checked after the first interview and prior to making an offer to a candidate.
Offer letter: Candidates are given 14 days to accept the offer from EDF Climate Corps in the month of February. In March and April, candidates are given 7 days to accept the offer from EDF Climate Corps.
Onboarding Conversation: After a candidate accepts the offer to be an EDF Climate Corps fellow, we will connect them with their potential host organization supervisor for the onboarding conversation. The conversation is an opportunity for the fellow and the supervisor to get to know one another and ensure a successful summer. If there is a misalignment in expectations for any reason, EDF will find another placement for the fellow. In the past four years, host organization supervisors have been pleased with all matches we’ve made.
Match Confirmed: EDF Climate Corps will confirm your match officially with you and your host organization supervisor. We will also contact your school’s office of career services to let them know of the match. At this point, you will create your summer workplan with your host supervisor, have a kick-off call with your EDF engagement manager and host supervisor, and plan your travel to the training in May.
Stipend
Fellows are paid $1,250/week and reimbursed for travel expenses incurred during Climate Corps training.
Read about our selection criteria »
