Fellowship FAQs
To begin the application process you must complete the Educator Interest Form
What happens after I express interest?
We’ll contact you if we have grant funding for which you are eligible and direct you to the online Educator Application. If you’re not eligible for any of our fellowship grants, we’ll keep your form on file and notify you when we have funding for which you are eligible.
What happens after you apply?
Your application will be reviewed by the Earthwatch Review Panel, most of which are past fellows from around the country. Once your application has been reviewed by the Panel, the Selection Committee will select the educators who will be awarded in 2013.
When is the 2013 application due?
The application will be due 2 weeks after the day you receive the link via email. This means that applicants may have different due dates. If you need an extension please email fellowshipawards@earthwatch.org.
I have applied for a Fellowship, when will I know if I was awarded?
Earthwatch receives funding on a rolling basis. Consequently, fellowships will also be awarded on a rolling basis until funding is exhausted. We hope to announce all awards by May 1, 2013.
My availability for the summer has changed.
If you need to make other plans for this summer, please do so, but notify Earthwatch if your availability dates change by emailing us at fellowshipawards@earthwatch.org.
I have already received a fellowship. Can I apply again?
You are eligible for two total fellowship awards, in non-consecutive years over the course of your entire teaching career.
For 2013 the Earthwatch Summer Educator Fellowship Program will support two research projects:
Climate Change and Caterpillars in Arizona July 28 - August 7, 2013
Spotting Songbirds in the Rockies July 19 - 27, 2013 and August 3 - 11, 2013
Fellowship recipients will complete the expedition portion of their fellowship in one of these research locations.
What will I do on my expedition?
Research tasks vary with each project, and are described in detail in each Expedition Briefing (available for download on our website). No matter the task involved, you do not need any special skills. We will teach you what you need to do when you arrive in the field, and you will undoubtedly find skills you never knew you had.
Do I need any special skills?
No, you only need the willingness to learn. The scientists leading your expedition will provide a thorough overview and guidance on how to collect data for the project.
How long will my expedition last?
Expeditions will vary but are generally between 10 and 14 days in length.
Can I be on the same team as my colleague/friend?
Sometimes we are able to accommodate these requests. If you are interested in having colleague join you in the field, please note this on your application. Please note that both applicants must be successful individually before participation on the same expedition is considered.
How can I get my students into the field?
Students age 16 and up are eligible to participate as volunteers on Earthwatch projects. We have a variety of Teen Teams available. Competitive fellowships are available for some Teen Team expeditions. We also offer the Student Fellowships, which awards expedition scholarships to high school students. Group Teams for teachers and their students are available as well.
What costs will a fellowship award cover?
The minimum contribution normally required of expedition participants is waived for fellowship recipients, thanks to the generosity of fellowships funders. All Earthwatch Fellowships offset the full cost of your expedition, including meals, accommodations, research permits, equipment costs, and on-site transportation. Fellowships typically include a travel stipend to cover some or all of your out-of-pocket travel expenses to and from the expedition site. Specific reimbursements will be outlined in your award letter.
What may I be required to do as a part of my fellowship?
Fellows are required to do the following:
- Submit a Volunteer Evaluation to Earthwatch.
- Keep a detailed personal journal throughout your expedition
- Send a thank-you letter to his/her funder c/o Earthwatch (must be on school/organization letterhead)
- Pursue press coverage about the fellowship and expedition (before and after the expedition).
- Compile a final report, materials and activities to share with others within 30 days of the project's end. For details, download Educator Fellowship Guidelines (PDF).
- Submit a community plan to submit to Earthwatch. Download the community plan template (DOC).
- Attend post-expedition regional recruitment events; represent Earthwatch at education conferences held in your area; attend/present at donor recognition events in your area
- Fellows are required to remain at their current institution for at least one year after their Fellowship.
*Fellowship requirements may vary and will be detailed in award packages.
Can I receive graduate credit or Professional Development Points for my experience with Earthwatch?
You may be able to receive credit for your participation in the fellowship program. Your coordinator can help you with documentation however, each fellow is responsible for organizing this aspect of the program.
Due to lack of funding Earthwatch will not be recruiting for this program in 2013.
There will be one privately funded LFF team. While we cannot provide the opportunity for everyone to be on this team, the blogs will be shared on our website and we encourage you to follow the team!