Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship: New Roots Institute

The New Roots Institute Fellowship is a hands-on leadership and advocacy program designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and support needed to drive systemic change in food systems. The New Roots Institute Sustainable Food Systems Fellowship empowers U.S.-based high school and college students to take meaningful action toward building a just, sustainable, and equitable food system. Through training, mentorship, funding, and community, fellows gain the tools to challenge industrial animal agriculture and create real-world impact—on their campuses and beyond.

The Fellowship begins with a six-week virtual Summer Leadership Academy, where fellows learn from experts across advocacy, policy, public health, climate, and sustainability. Many participants then continue into the Academic Year Fellowship, during which they design and implement high-impact advocacy campaigns that influence dining systems, policies, and social norms.

Over the past two years, New Roots fellows have reached more than 3 million people, influenced the dining choices of over 250,000 individuals, and helped reduce demand for animal-based meals by an estimated 3.5 million meals annually. Alumni now hold 150+ roles across 100+ organizations advancing a just and sustainable food system worldwide.

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Benefits of the Fellowship

As a New Roots Institute Fellow, you will:

• Gain a deep understanding of factory farming and strategies to dismantle it
• Learn directly from experts in advocacy, policy, public health, climate, and sustainability
• Receive personalized coaching and mentorship throughout the program
• Design and lead your own advocacy campaign with measurable impact
• Build practical leadership, organizing, and communication skills
• Join a supportive, values-driven community of changemakers
• Become part of a global alumni network of 600+ leaders

Fellows may receive up to USD 2,500 in grant funding, in addition to training, mentorship, and community support.

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Eligibility

You are eligible to apply if you:

• Are a U.S.-based high school or college student
• Are able to learn and communicate in English
• Have consistent and reliable internet access
• Can participate in live virtual sessions from a computer, with camera on
• Are available for all scheduled programming sessions
• Can complete all assignments and project work on time

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Program Format

• Mode: Fully virtual
• Structure:
  • Summer Leadership Academy (6 weeks)
  • Optional continuation into Academic Year Fellowship
• Commitment: Attendance at all live sessions and completion of project work is required

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How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online via the New Roots Institute website.

Application Deadline:

25 February 2026

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Contact Information

For questions or additional information, please contact:
📧 admissions@newrootsinstitute.org

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The New Roots Institute Fellowship empowers the next generation of leaders working to transform industrial animal agriculture and build a just and sustainable food system. This hands-on leadership program begins with a 6-week virtual Summer Leadership Academy, followed by an optional Academic Year Fellowship, where students design and lead impactful advocacy campaigns on their campuses and in their communities.

Fellows gain in-depth knowledge of food systems, advocacy, policy, climate, and public health while joining a global network of changemakers. Participants may receive up to USD 2,500 in grant funding, along with mentorship, training, and personalized coaching.

For more opportunities, click here.