The Rooted Futures Lab Environmental Justice & Technology (EJIT) Fellowship 2026 is a transformative, project-based summer fellowship designed for emerging leaders working at the intersection of technology, infrastructure, and environmental justice. This highly impactful program offers a unique opportunity to contribute to real-world projects that address critical global challenges while building interdisciplinary expertise.
The fellowship is structured to empower participants to independently lead projects, collaborate across disciplines, and produce tangible outputs that advance environmental justice in technological systems.
About Rooted Futures Lab
Rooted Futures Lab is an innovative organization committed to addressing the systemic neglect of environmental justice in technology development and application. The organization envisions a future where technological advancements actively support both human and planetary well-being, especially for underserved and marginalized communities.
Through its core pillars of education, research, and action, Rooted Futures Lab works to reshape how technology is designed and deployed globally. The organization draws intellectual inspiration from environmental justice pioneer Dr. Robert Bullard and the concept of “histofuturism,” encouraging critical reflection on past injustices while co-creating equitable futures.
Fellowship Overview
The EJIT Fellowship is designed as a remote, flexible, and interdisciplinary experience that allows fellows to explore complex challenges at the intersection of environmental justice and technology.
Key Details:
- Duration: June 15 – September 4, 2026 (~12 weeks)
- Time Commitment: Approximately 20 hours per week (flexible)
- Location: Fully remote
- Compensation: USD $3,000 stipend (flexible payment structure)
- Application Deadline: April 30, 2026
- Application Review: Rolling basis
- Notification Timeline: Within 3 weeks after the application deadline
Fellowship Tracks for 2026 Cohort
The 2026 cohort offers four specialized fellowship tracks, each designed to address a distinct dimension of environmental justice in technology.
1. Data Centers & Environmental Justice – Creative Technologist Fellow
This track focuses on uncovering the hidden environmental and social costs of digital infrastructure, particularly data centers. Fellows will use computational and technical methods to investigate these impacts.
Core Responsibilities:
- Design and execute an independent computational research project
- Apply techniques such as machine learning, remote sensing, or data scraping
- Develop datasets, models, or analytical reports
- Contribute to the Data Center Impact Dashboard
- Translate technical findings into accessible tools and visualizations
Key Outputs:
- Research reports, datasets, or computational tools
- Contributions to open-source platforms and dashboards
This role is ideal for individuals with technical expertise who are interested in applying data-driven approaches to environmental justice challenges.
2. Data Centers & Environmental Justice – Investigative Storyteller Fellow
This track emphasizes storytelling and investigative research into the socio-environmental impacts of data centers.
Core Responsibilities:
- Conduct an independent investigation into environmental justice issues
- Produce storytelling outputs (written, visual, audio, or multimedia)
- Translate complex data into compelling narratives
- Contribute insights to the Data Center Impact Dashboard
Focus Areas:
- Land displacement
- Water consumption
- Air and noise pollution
- Rising energy costs
This role is suited for journalists, creatives, and communicators passionate about translating complex systems into accessible stories.
3. Study Hall – Democratic Governance & Collective Systems Fellow
The Study Hall track focuses on building community-driven systems and participatory governance models for environmental justice initiatives.
Core Responsibilities:
- Research democratic governance systems (e.g., sociocracy)
- Design tools and frameworks for collective decision-making
- Support student-led communities in applying these systems
- Document processes for publications and toolkits
Program Context:
- Previously engaged 130+ students across North America
- Expanding into a structured fellowship track
This role is ideal for individuals interested in community organizing, education, and participatory systems design.
4. GLITCH Zine – Editor & Strategist Fellow
The GLITCH Zine Fellowship combines editorial leadership with strategic development of a creative publication platform.
Core Responsibilities:
- Define editorial vision and theme for the 2026 zine
- Curate and edit submissions
- Develop outreach and contributor engagement strategies
- Oversee production and distribution (print and digital)
- Build long-term strategy for the zine platform
Strategic Focus:
- Archiving past issues
- Building partnerships
- Expanding audience reach
This role is ideal for individuals with editorial, creative, and strategic experience in publishing or storytelling.
Fellowship Structure and Experience
Across all tracks, fellows will:
- Work independently while collaborating with peers and staff
- Participate in weekly check-ins (especially in early stages)
- Receive mentorship, guidance, and feedback
- Engage in interdisciplinary collaboration
- Produce outputs that contribute to real-world impact
Fellows are expected to manage their own timelines, take initiative, and navigate open-ended challenges.
Support and Resources
Participants will receive:
- Access to Rooted Futures Lab’s interdisciplinary team
- Technical, editorial, and strategic mentorship
- Collaboration opportunities with developers, researchers, and storytellers
- Integration into a global cohort of EJIT fellows
- Tools and platforms for project development and dissemination
Eligibility Criteria
While specific qualifications vary by track, general requirements include:
- Strong English communication skills
- Ability to work independently and manage projects
- Interest in environmental justice, technology, or related fields
- Interdisciplinary mindset and openness to collaboration
Technical roles may require experience in areas such as:
- Machine learning, GIS, or data science
- Journalism, storytelling, or media production
- Community organizing or governance systems
- Editorial and publishing work
Importantly, applicants from non-technical and interdisciplinary backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Rooted Futures Lab is committed to equity and inclusion. The fellowship does not discriminate based on:
- Gender or gender identity
- Sexual orientation
- Race or ethnicity
- Religion
- Age or economic background
Applicants from underrepresented and marginalized communities are especially encouraged to apply.
Application Process
To apply, candidates must submit:
- Personal information (name, email, location, timezone)
- LinkedIn profile
- CV (PDF or document format, max 10MB)
- Responses to application questions
Applications are submitted via an online form.
For inquiries:
Email: info@rootedfutureslab.io
Subject: “EJIT Fellowship Application”
Learn more and apply for the Rooted Futures Lab Environmental Justice & Technology (EJIT) Fellowship HERE.
Important Notes for Applicants
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis
- Authenticity is highly valued; applicants are encouraged to use their own voice
- Minor grammatical errors will not affect selection
- Over-reliance on AI-generated responses is discouraged
Why You Should Apply
This fellowship offers a rare opportunity to:
- Work on cutting-edge environmental justice issues
- Gain hands-on experience in interdisciplinary projects
- Build a global professional network
- Receive financial support while contributing to meaningful work
- Develop outputs that influence policy, research, and community practices
Discover more global Fellowship and Internship opportunities on OFY.
