Rooted Futures Lab Environmental Justice & Technology Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded Remote Opportunity
Imagine leading real projects that tackle environmental issues through technology, all from your home computer. The Rooted Futures Lab Environmental Justice & Technology Fellowship 2026 offers this chance. It’s a fully funded remote program for young leaders ready to make a difference at the crossroads of tech and justice.
About Rooted Futures Lab
Rooted Futures Lab works to fix how technology often ignores environmental justice. The group pushes for tech that helps people and the planet, especially those in overlooked communities. They draw ideas from experts like Dr. Robert Bullard and the idea of “histofuturism,” which mixes lessons from history with plans for fair futures. Through teaching, research, and action, they change how tech gets built and used around the world.
Fellowship Overview
This summer fellowship runs from June 15 to September 4, 2026, for about 12 weeks. Fellows commit around 20 hours a week, with flexible schedules. It’s fully remote, pays a $3,000 USD stipend, and has applications due by April 30, 2026. Reviews happen on a rolling basis, with notices sent within three weeks of the deadline. The program lets you lead your own project while gaining skills in tech and justice work.
Fellowship Tracks
The 2026 group has four tracks. Each one targets a key area where tech meets environmental justice.
1. Data Centers & Environmental Justice – Creative Technologist Fellow
This track digs into the hidden costs of data centers, like energy use and pollution. You will build a research project using tools such as machine learning or data scraping. Create datasets, models, or reports, and add to the Data Center Impact Dashboard. Turn your findings into easy-to-use visuals or tools. It’s perfect if you have tech skills and want to spotlight justice issues.
2. Data Centers & Environmental Justice – Investigative Storyteller Fellow
Here, you investigate data center problems like land loss, water use, or noise pollution. Produce stories in writing, video, audio, or other formats. Make tough data simple and engaging for everyone. Share your work on the Data Center Impact Dashboard. This fits writers, artists, or anyone good at sharing stories.
3. Study Hall – Democratic Governance & Collective Systems Fellow
Focus on fair ways for groups to make decisions, like sociocracy models. Research these systems and create tools for communities. Help student groups use them and write guides or toolkits. The program has already reached over 130 students in North America. It’s great for organizers or those into group leadership.
4. GLITCH Zine – Editor & Strategist Fellow
Lead the creation of a creative zine on justice topics. Set the theme, edit submissions, and plan outreach. Handle production for print and online versions. Build partnerships and grow the audience. This suits people with experience in editing or publishing.
Fellowship Structure and Experience
All tracks include independent work plus team check-ins, especially at the start. Get advice from mentors and peers. Collaborate across skills like coding, writing, and organizing. Manage your time and tackle open challenges. Your projects will create real results, like reports or tools.
Support and Resources
Fellows join a team of experts for help with tech, editing, or planning. Work with developers, researchers, and others in the group. Use shared tools and platforms. Build connections in a worldwide network.
Eligibility Criteria
You need good English skills and the ability to work alone on projects. Show interest in justice, tech, or related areas. Be open to teamwork. Some tracks want skills in data science, journalism, organizing, or editing. People from all backgrounds, including non-tech ones, are welcome.
Commitment to Diversity
The program welcomes everyone, no matter gender, race, age, or background. They especially invite those from marginalized groups to apply.
Application Process
Submit your name, email, location, LinkedIn, CV, and answers to questions via an online form. Email questions to [email protected] with “EJIT Fellowship Application” in the subject. Be yourself in your answers; small errors are fine, but avoid AI help.
Why Apply
Gain experience on key issues, build your network, and get paid to create work that matters. Your projects could shape policy or help communities. This is a chance to grow skills and connect globally. Apply by April 30, 2026, to join.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rooted Futures Lab Environmental Justice & Technology Fellowship?
It’s a 12-week fully funded remote program where young leaders work on real projects blending technology and environmental justice, with a $3,000 stipend.
When does the fellowship take place and what is the time commitment?
The program runs from June 15 to September 4, 2026, requiring about 20 hours per week on a flexible schedule.
What are the fellowship tracks available?
There are four tracks: Data Centers Creative Technologist, Data Centers Investigative Storyteller, Democratic Governance Fellow, and GLITCH Zine Editor & Strategist.
How do I apply for the fellowship?
Submit your details and answers to questions via the online form by April 30, 2026; email questions to [email protected] with ‘EJIT Fellowship Application’ in the subject.