Climate Policy Fellows Program

placeholder

About the program

The Climate Policy Fellows Program is designed to introduce undergraduates to the linkage of engineering, economics, and climate related science to public policy.  Created for full-time undergraduate degree seeking students of any major, the one-year program provides networking opportunities and professional development activities such as resume and personal statement development, corporate dining etiquette, the art of the elevator pitch, and effective presentation best practices. The program consists of four (4) workshops (two during the fall term, two during the spring term) that feature climate policy experts who offer insight into their area of expertise and projects. The professionals also discuss their journey into the field of public policy and allow students the opportunity to begin to create their professional and mentoring network. 

If you are interested in learning about environmental stressors from everyday life and how cities, states, and the country are looking for resolutions to preserve the climate, apply.

The program is led by Dr. Eric O’Rear, 2008 FAMU alum, who is an expert in energy/environmental policy analysis, energy system modeling, sustainability, and resilience. His commitment to exposing students from all parts of our society to the local and global environmental consequences of various energy sources infuses the program with insightful and informative workshops, engaging projects, and developing life-long networks with fellow students, alumni, and industry experts. The program consists of financial support during the academic year, the opportunity to participate in a paid summer internship, and exposure to committed professionals who work on climate policy.

Support

Fellows will receive a $1000 stipend each semester for two semesters. Additionally, assistance is provided in obtaining a paid summer internship

Summer Internship

Fellows are encouraged to identify summer internships that interest them and allows them to increase their knowledge in climate policy, environmental issues, sustainability, and related topics. Competitive opportunities to intern at think tanks and nonprofit organizations in New York City, Washington DC, or San Francisco that are engaged in addressing climate change policy are also available. In addition to an internship stipend, the program pays for housing in DC and San Francisco.

Workshops

The program centers around mandatory attendance at four intensive workshops that expose students to the history and development of climate policy, environmental factors, socioeconomic impact, and how public policy is affected by science, engineering, and economic research. Speakers from corporate, government, and higher education sectors introduce Fellows to the latest research and development in the areas of climate change and public policy.

Each workshop takes place over two days. Group presentations are presented once each term that represent independent group research on a given or approved topic.

Eligibility

Applicants for the 2025 – 2026 fellowship:

  • must be full-time undergraduate students at FAMU Fall 2025 and Spring 2026
  • can be from any major
  • while there is no GPA requirement, a cumulative 2.75 or higher is preferred
  • must demonstrate interest in the climate and sustainability revealed during the application process (completion of essay questions)

2024 – 2025 Climate Policy Fellows

Jacques Arbrac, Junior Criminal Justice major

Lalah Choice, Senior Environmental Science major

Tori Clark, Sophomore Biology major

Jaliyah Fountain, Junior Psychology major

Gerrod Hersey, sophomore Pre-Physical Therapy major

Gregory Jones, junior Economics major

Kendall Jones, sophomore Pre-Nursing major

Mariyah Moore, sophomore Agricultural Science major

Kelsey Parker, sophomore Agribusiness major

Emilee Williams Gonzalez, sophomore Biology Pre-Med major

2023 – 2024 Climate Policy Fellows

Tatiana Bell, Business Administration major

Hanifah Choute, Chemistry major

Chai Comrie, Animal Science Pre-Vet major

Jaylen Ezekiel, Economics major

Jaylin Hankerson-Strappy, Political Science major

Maia James-Daniels, Animal Science major

Brandee Jones, Chemical Engineering major

Brianna Josue, Biology Pre-Med major

Jeylan McGhee, Agribusiness major

Dorothy Michael, Health Informatics and Information Sciences major

Monica Roden, Agricultural Sciences major

Camari Simpson, Criminal Justice and Political Science majors

Jaliece Slaughter, Psychology major

Caleb Smith, Political Science major

Laila Spinner, Biology Pre-Med major

Janelle Thomas, Biological Systems Engineering major

Tatiana Tyler, Psychology major

Jasmine Winston, Environmental Science major

2022 – 2023 Climate Policy Fellows

Guilandia Aristilde, Social Work major

Jordyn Bew, Criminal Justice major

Ra’Caria Burgess, Computer Science major

Jeremiah Fisher, Accounting major

Dene Garrett, Architecture major

Alexis Goree, Architecture major

Demi Howard, Agricultural Science major

Jamellah Jackson, Health Informatics and Information Management major

Joi Johnson, Pre-Nursing major

Alexis Law, Business Administration major

Brianna Leonard, Political Science major

India McDuffie, Psychology major

Xavier Odom, Biology Pre-Med major

Mylia Rice, Criminal Justice major

Ashley Saddler, Architecture major

Astou Seck, Health Care Management major

Kienja Smith, Psychology major

Eljaye Tellis, Pharmaceutical Science major

Don Thompson, Criminal Justice major

Jaelyn Wilkins, Criminal Justice major