Imagine leading real projects that blend technology with environmental justice to help marginalized communities. The Rooted Futures Lab Environmental Justice & Technology Fellowship 2026 offers this chance. It’s a fully funded, remote summer program for emerging leaders ready to make an impact.
About Rooted Futures Lab
Rooted Futures Lab works to fix how technology often ignores environmental justice. The group pushes for tech that supports people and the planet, especially in underserved areas. They draw ideas from Dr. Robert Bullard, a leader in environmental justice, and “histofuturism,” which mixes lessons from the past with plans for fair futures.
Through education, research, and action, the lab changes how tech gets built and used worldwide.
Fellowship Overview
This 12-week program runs from June 15 to September 4, 2026. Fellows commit about 20 hours a week on a flexible schedule from anywhere. They receive a $3,000 USD stipend with payment options that fit their needs.
Applications close April 30, 2026, with reviews on a rolling basis. Selected fellows hear back within three weeks.
Fellowship Tracks
The 2026 cohort has four tracks. Each lets fellows lead projects in unique ways.
Data Centers & Environmental Justice – Creative Technologist Fellow
This track digs into the hidden costs of data centers, like energy use and pollution. Fellows build tools with machine learning, remote sensing, or data scraping. They create datasets, models, reports, and add to a Data Center Impact Dashboard. The goal is to make findings easy to see through visuals.
Ideal for those skilled in tech who want to fight injustice with data.
Data Centers & Environmental Justice – Investigative Storyteller Fellow
Here, fellows investigate issues like land loss, water use, air pollution, noise, and high energy bills from data centers. They turn facts into stories through writing, images, audio, or videos. These narratives feed into the Data Center Impact Dashboard.
Perfect for journalists or creatives who explain tough topics simply.
Study Hall – Democratic Governance & Collective Systems Fellow
This track builds fair decision-making tools for communities. Fellows study systems like sociocracy and design frameworks for groups. They help student communities use these and document everything for toolkits. Past work reached over 130 students in North America.
Great for organizers focused on education and group leadership.
GLITCH Zine – Editor & Strategist Fellow
Fellows shape the 2026 GLITCH Zine by picking themes, editing submissions, and planning outreach. They handle production for print and online versions. Long-term tasks include archiving issues, finding partners, and growing the audience.
Suited for editors with skills in publishing and strategy.
Fellowship Structure and Experience
Fellows work on their own projects but join weekly check-ins, especially at the start. They get mentorship and feedback from the team. Collaboration happens across tracks with developers, researchers, and storytellers. Everyone produces real outputs with lasting effects.
Fellows set their timelines and solve open challenges.
Support and Resources
The lab provides access to its team for guidance. Fellows join a global group and use tools for projects. Mentorship covers tech, editing, and planning needs.
Eligibility Criteria
All tracks need good English skills, self-management, and interest in the topics. Tech tracks may want experience in data science, GIS, journalism, organizing, or editing. Non-tech backgrounds are welcome too.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
The program welcomes everyone regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, religion, age, or income. People from marginalized groups get special encouragement to apply.
Application Process
Submit your name, email, location, timezone, LinkedIn, CV (under 10MB), and answers to questions via the online form. Email questions to [email protected] with subject “EJIT Fellowship Application.”
Important Notes for Applicants
Reviews happen rolling, so apply early. Be yourself in responses; small grammar issues won’t hurt. Avoid heavy AI use.
Why You Should Apply
This fellowship builds skills in key projects, networks globally, pays you, and creates real change in policy and communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rooted Futures Lab EJIT Fellowship?
It’s a fully funded, remote summer program where emerging leaders work on tech projects blending environmental justice for marginalized communities.
When does the fellowship run and what is the stipend?
The program lasts 12 weeks from June 15 to September 4, 2026, with about 20 hours per week and a $3,000 USD stipend paid flexibly.
How do I apply for the fellowship?
Submit your name, email, CV, and answers to questions via the online form; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until April 30, 2026.
Who can apply and what skills are needed?
Anyone with good English skills, self-management, and interest in the topics; tech experience helps for some tracks, but diverse backgrounds are encouraged.
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