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ABOUT THE FELLOWSHIP
What is the EPN Environmental Science Impact Fellowship? The EPN Environmental Science Impact Fellowship provides $50,000 in annual support to former scientists and engineers in the Environmental Protection Agency whose federal roles have been disrupted. Fellows continue the research, policy, or scientific work they were doing at EPA, with formal EPN affiliation, mentorship, and membership in a growing community of former federal scientists.
Who runs this fellowship? The fellowship is administered by the Environmental Protection Network, a nonprofit organization. The program is part of EPN’s Civil Service Resilience Initiative.
How many fellows will be selected? We are selecting 10 fellows for the first cohort.
When does the fellowship begin? The target launch date for the first cohort is Early July 2026.
ELIGIBILITY
Who is eligible to apply? Former EPA scientists or engineers who separated from federal service in 2024 or later. Applicants may be from any scientific field or discipline, any geographic location, and any current employment situation.
Does “separated from EPA” include resignations, retirements, and reductions in force? We are not concerned with the reason behind your separation nor the form of your separation. You do not have to provide details of your separation in the application.
I left EPA before 2024. Can I still apply? We are targeting individuals who left in 2024 or later. While those individuals will be given priority, there could be circumstances where an applicant is selected who departed before 2024.
Can I apply if I am currently employed? Yes. Current employment status is not a barrier to applying.
Do I need to have a partner organization lined up before I apply? No. A partner organization is not required at the time of application. Fellows may propose their own, work directly within EPN, or we can help identify the right fit after selection.
I am an engineer, not a scientist. Can I apply? Yes. The fellowship is open to former EPA scientists and engineers.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen? No.
Can EPA contractors apply? No, this is only available to individuals who worked directly within the EPA
Can scientists from EPA regional offices apply? Yes, we encourage all former scientists and engineers to apply regardless of region.
THE FELLOWSHIP AWARD
How is the $50,000 paid out? Fellows receive $25,000 at the start of the fellowship and the remaining $25,000 at the mid-year check-in, contingent on a progress review.
Can the fellowship be renewed? Yes. Fellowships are reviewed annually and are renewable for up to three years.
What can I use the $50,000 for? Fellows have significant flexibility in how they direct their funds, as long as it is tied to their proposed work. Eligible uses include salary or salary supplement, research expenses, supporting collaborators, travel and conferences, equipment, training and professional development, continued academic coursework in a relevant scientific field, scientific record preservation, publication and dissemination costs, and working directly within EPN. Other uses may be considered — if it is tied to your work, reach out and ask.
Can I direct fellowship funds to a partner organization? Yes. Fellows will be given the funds directly, and then can redirect those funds to an organization of which they would like to do related work for. EPN will not direct funds towards another organization on your behalf.
Are there any restrictions on how the funds cannot be used? We want to allow flexibility for fellows to continue their meaningful work. We understand the work you pursue may not, and probably will not, be identical to what you were doing at EPA. As long as you can make a case that it relates to previous scientific work, we will work with you.
What are the tax implications of receiving an EPN fellowship? You will receive a 1099 from EPN for funds allocated. We suggest seeking guidance from a tax professional. See IRS Form 1099-Misc.
THE APPLICATION
How do I apply? Applications are submitted through our online Google form. Applications are accepted by invitation and through established network channels.
What does the application require?
- A resume and/or CV with your cover letter on the first page, uploaded as one document
- A separate proposal narrative document responding to six prompts, uploaded in the form
- Employment and eligibility information
- 2 to 3 professional references
- Partner organization information if applicable
What are the proposal narrative prompts? Your proposal narrative should respond to the following in 1 to 2 paragraphs each: what you are proposing to do, how it continues your EPA work, the scientific merit of the work, its potential for impact, your clarity of vision and engagement, and the distinct perspective you bring.
How long will the application take? We estimate 30 to 45 minutes to complete the form itself, not including time to prepare your proposal narrative. We recommend drafting your narrative in a separate document before starting the form.
Is there an application fee? No.
What is the application deadline? The application deadline is Friday, May 15, 2026 (Priority Deadline: May 1, 2026)
Can I edit my application after submitting? Please email me directly at rodney.rhodes@environmentalprotectionnetwork.org to communicate any changes to your application.
What happens after I submit? You will receive an automatic confirmation. EPN staff will review applications for eligibility, after which your application moves to scored review by our advisory group. Finalists will be contacted for an interview.
SELECTION
What criteria are applications scored on? Applications are scored on scientific merit, potential for impact, clarity of vision and engagement, and diversity of perspectives. Continuity with prior EPA work is a pass/fail eligibility requirement, not a scored criterion.
Who reviews the applications? An application review group composed of EPN volunteers and EPN staff. They consist of former EPA scientists and experts.
Will there be interviews? Yes. Approximately 20 finalists will be invited to interview with a panel of EPN staff and advisory group members before final selections are made.
What happens if I am not selected? All applicants — including those not selected as fellows — are invited to join the broader EPN community of former EPA scientists, which includes programming, convenings, mentorship, and ongoing support.
THE FELLOWSHIP EXPERIENCE
What support will fellows receive beyond the stipend? Fellows receive formal EPN affiliation, access to EPN’s partner organization network, a volunteer mentor matched to their needs, an accountability partner within their cohort, and membership in the broader EPN community of former EPA scientists — including tailored programming, group convenings, and ongoing support.
What is the accountability partner program? Each fellow is paired with another fellow in the cohort for peer support throughout the fellowship year. Pairs are assigned by EPN and include light structure — a suggested check-in cadence and shared goal-setting prompts.
What reporting is required of fellows? Fellows submit a mid-year progress report and an end-of-year report, and participate in mid-year and annual check-in meetings with EPN staff. Fellows are expected to show meaningful progress toward their fellowship work and to participate in cohort community programming.
What happens if I can no longer fulfill my fellowship obligations? If a fellow can no longer fulfill obligations, they will have to exit the fellowship program. Fellows receive $25,000 in lump sum at the beginning of the program, and then another $25,000 at a midpoint. Depending on the timing of your departure, you may have to return the funds you have received.
Can I work with more than one partner organization? Yes.
THE EPN COMMUNITY
What is the broader EPN community? Beyond the 10 fellows, EPN is building a wider community of former EPA scientists and engineers. All fellowship applicants — including those not selected — are invited to join this community, which includes tailored programming, group convenings, mentorship, and ongoing support.
What kinds of programming will the community have access to? Fellows have access to a range of programming designed to support their work and professional community. This includes virtual convenings where fellows can connect with peers, share progress, and engage with broader EPN networks. Fellows are paired with accountability partners within their cohort to support goal-setting and momentum throughout the fellowship year. A volunteer mentor pool of former EPA scientists is available to provide guidance and field-specific expertise. Fellows may also participate in guest workshops and skill-building sessions on topics relevant to their scientific and professional development. All programming is designed to complement — not direct — the independent work fellows pursue.
Is there a cost to join the community? There is no cost.
PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS
What is a partner organization? Partner organizations are universities, research centers, nonprofits, and other institutions that provide resources, infrastructure, or programming that fellows can access and direct fellowship funds toward. EPN is the formal host institution for all fellows.
What partner organizations are currently available? Georgetown University’s Environmental Metrology and Policy Program (EMAP) is our example partner organization. Additional partner organizations may be developed.
Can I propose my own partner organization? Yes. Fellows may propose their own organization.
Does my partner organization need to be approved before I apply? No. You may propose an organization in your application and the formal relationship will be developed after selection.
Can state environmental agencies serve as partner organizations? Yes.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Reach out to us at rodney.rhodes@environmentalprotectionnetwork.org. We are happy to talk through your situation and answer any questions about the fellowship or the application process.
