Summer 2026 Sustainability Fellows Program
Administered by INROADS as part of the HBCU Sustainable Communities Initiative (HBCU SCI)
Request for Proposals
HBCU SCI is pleased to announce the availability of funding to support summer 2026 internship placements for undergraduate students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). We invite nonprofit organizations located in Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Virginia to submit proposals to host student interns.
This initiative aims to provide meaningful, career-building opportunities for HBCU students while supporting the critical missions of nonprofit partners in the region.
Deadline to apply: February 13, 2026
Overview
About the Sustainability Fellows Program
- Environmental sustainability
- Climate and community resilience
- Environmental and energy justice
- Public health and health equity
- Housing and community development
- Food access and agriculture sustainability
- Transportation equity
- STEM and technology solutions
- Data analysis, research, engineering, GIS, environmental science, and other technical fields
- Business, communications, and organizational development roles that support sustainability-focused organizations, including HR, marketing, communications, program operations, finance, social impact strategy, and organizational effectiveness
Types of Eligible Projects
Projects may be:
- Environmental – (e.g., climate resilience, conservation, environmental policy, community energy education)
- Community-Focused – (e.g., public health, housing, youth development, food access, arts and culture supporting sustainability themes)
- STEM-Focused – (e.g., scientific research, engineering design support, environmental testing, data analytics, GIS mapping, technology tools for nonprofits, STEM education initiatives)
- Business & Operations Roles Supporting Sustainability – (e.g., HR supporting sustainability teams, marketing or communications for environmental initiatives, program operations, fundraising, or finance roles within sustainability-focused units)
- Interdisciplinary- combining social, environmental, and technical approaches
What We Seek in Host Organizations
- A structured, supportive internship experience with clear alignment to sustainability, community impact, and/or STEM
- A well-defined scope of work, role description, and projected outcomes
- A meaningful mentorship plan and dedicated supervisor
- A safe, inclusive, and equitable working environment
- A willingness to co-invest in Fellow compensation
Cost Sharing Requirement
HBCU SCI will provide partial funding toward Fellow compensation. Organizations must outline:
- Total proposed compensation (hourly rate or stipend)
- Organization’s financial contribution
- Requested subsidy from HBCU SCI
- Any non-monetary supports, such as:
- Housing or housing stipend
- Transportation assistance
- Meal stipend
- Professional development or training
- Conference or networking opportunities
This shared-investment model ensures sustainability and allows more Fellows to participate across the region.
Proposal Guidelines
- Organizational Overview
- Fellowship Role(s) / Position Description / Number of Fellows Needed
- Learning Objectives & Mentorship Plan
- Work Environment & Supervision Structure
- Compensation Proposal & Cost-Sharing Breakdown
- Primary Contact Information
Timeline
RFP Release Date: Open now
Deadline to Apply: February 13, 2026
Selected Organizations Notified: Spring 2026
Intern Matching Process Begins: Spring 2026
Internship starts: Summer of 2026
Let’s work TOGETHER!