Apply for the Rooted Futures Lab Environmental Justice and Technology Fellowship 2026 (Remote, Paid)
Applications are open for the Rooted Futures Lab Environmental Justice & Technology Fellowship 2026. This remote summer program offers a US$3,000 stipend, flexible schedule, and project-based tracks at the intersection of technology and environmental justice.
The Rooted Futures Lab has announced applications for its 2026 Environmental Justice & Technology (EJIT) Fellowship. Designed as a project-based summer program, the fellowship targets individuals working at the intersection of technology, infrastructure, and environmental justice. Through collaborative and independent work, selected fellows will contribute to initiatives that produce tangible outputs aimed at supporting communities, advancing critical inquiry, and strengthening the Environmental Justice & Technology field.
This remote fellowship provides an opportunity for emerging practitioners, researchers, and creatives to engage with pressing global issues while gaining hands-on experience in a supportive and interdisciplinary environment.
Fellowship Structure and Experience
The EJIT Fellowship is structured as a part-time commitment of approximately 20 hours per week, offering flexibility for participants who may be balancing academic, professional, or personal responsibilities. The program runs for approximately 12 weeks, from June 15 to September 4, 2026, allowing fellows to engage deeply with their selected project areas over the summer period.
Participants will work independently while collaborating closely with Rooted Futures Lab staff and fellow cohort members. Each fellowship track emphasizes the creation of meaningful outputs, such as research insights, creative tools, storytelling resources, or governance frameworks that contribute to environmental justice initiatives.
The fellowship is fully remote, making it accessible to applicants from diverse geographical locations. Selected fellows will receive a US$3,000 stipend, with a flexible payment schedule designed to accommodate participants’ needs.
Fellowship Tracks for 2026
For the Summer 2026 cohort, the program offers several specialized tracks, each addressing critical intersections of technology and environmental justice.
Data Centers & Environmental Justice: Creative Technologist Fellow
This track focuses on exploring how technological infrastructure, particularly data centers, impacts communities and ecosystems. Fellows will use creative technological approaches to examine environmental implications and propose innovative solutions that prioritize equitable outcomes.
Data Centers & Environmental Justice: Investigative Storyteller Fellow
The Investigative Storyteller track emphasizes narrative-driven research and storytelling. Fellows will investigate the environmental and social dimensions of data center development and communicate findings through compelling storytelling formats that elevate community perspectives.
Study Hall: Democratic Governance & Collective Systems Fellow
This track examines governance models and collective decision-making processes within technological systems. Fellows will explore democratic approaches that center community involvement and accountability in technology development and infrastructure planning.
GLITCH Zine: Editor & Strategist Fellow
The GLITCH Zine fellowship focuses on editorial strategy and content development. Fellows will contribute to shaping publications that amplify environmental justice perspectives in technology discourse while developing editorial leadership and communication skills.
Application Timeline and Process
Applications for the 2026 EJIT Fellowship are currently open, with a deadline of April 30, 2026. Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning early applications are encouraged. Applicants can expect to be notified of their status within approximately three weeks after the closing date.
Individuals interested in applying should prepare their application materials carefully to demonstrate alignment with environmental justice values, interdisciplinary thinking, and commitment to producing meaningful outputs. Questions about the fellowship can be directed to [email protected] with the subject line “EJIT Fellowship Application.”
About the Mission of Rooted Futures Lab
Rooted Futures Lab is dedicated to addressing the systemic neglect of environmental justice in technology development and implementation. The organization works toward a future where technological innovation actively supports human and planetary well-being, particularly for communities often excluded from decision-making processes.
The lab’s work is guided by principles of education, research, and action, aiming to reshape the technological landscape through environmental justice frameworks. Their approach draws inspiration from influential thinkers such as Robert Bullard, whose work helped define environmental justice, and Octavia Butler, whose concept of “histofuturism” encourages critical examination of historical injustices while envisioning equitable futures.
By equipping emerging leaders with knowledge, tools, and frameworks, Rooted Futures Lab seeks to transform how technology is designed and deployed, fostering more inclusive and sustainable systems.
Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity
The EJIT Fellowship places strong emphasis on inclusion and equitable participation. Rooted Futures Lab does not discriminate based on sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religion, age, or economic background. The program actively encourages applications from individuals belonging to traditionally underrepresented communities.
Applicants are also invited to highlight unique experiences, perspectives, or qualifications that may not be explicitly listed in the application criteria. This inclusive approach ensures that diverse voices contribute to shaping the future of environmental justice and technology.
Why Apply for the EJIT Fellowship?
The fellowship provides a valuable platform for individuals passionate about technology and environmental justice to:
- Gain hands-on experience in interdisciplinary projects
- Collaborate with experts and peers in the EJIT field
- Produce impactful outputs supporting communities
- Receive financial support through a stipend
- Work remotely with a flexible schedule
- Strengthen research, storytelling, or technical skills
For individuals committed to advancing environmental justice through technological innovation, the Rooted Futures Lab EJIT Fellowship offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute, learn, and grow while shaping equitable technological futures.
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