Applications are open for the Waterfront Alliance Climate Resilience Fellowship 2027, a 16-week training and career development programme for young people interested in climate resilience, sustainability, environmental justice, waterfront design and community development.
The programme will run from January to April 2027 and will combine workshops, field experiences and community-based activities across New York City. Fellows will learn about real-world climate resilience projects while exploring career opportunities in areas such as green infrastructure, environmental planning, restoration, sustainability and climate adaptation.
About the Waterfront Alliance Climate Resilience Fellowship
The Climate Resilience Fellowship is organised by Waterfront Alliance, a New York-based nonprofit focused on creating thriving and resilient waterfronts, shorelines and coastlines.
The fellowship was created to introduce young New Yorkers to the growing climate resilience sector. Participants do not need to have previous experience in climate science, waterfront design or environmental work. Instead, the programme is designed to help young people discover possible career paths and develop practical skills through training, field visits and professional connections.
During the 16-week programme, fellows can expect to spend approximately 6-8 hours per week participating in workshops, site visits, community activities and professional development opportunities.
What Fellows Will Do
Participants will take part in a variety of activities throughout the fellowship, and these include:
- Learning about climate resilience and adaptation
- Visiting real-world resilience projects around New York City
- Exploring green infrastructure and sustainable waterfront development
- Learning how resilience projects are assessed and documented
- Taking part in community-based climate projects
- Developing creative projects and public activities
- Meeting professionals working in environmental and climate-related fields
- Exploring internships, apprenticeships and early-career opportunities
Fellows may visit places such as bioswales, rain gardens, marshes, beaches and vegetated shorelines to see how different resilience strategies work in practice.
WEDG Associate Training
One of the main professional-development components of the programme is training for the WEDG Associate credential.
WEDG stands for Waterfront Edge Design Guidelines. It is a framework developed by Waterfront Alliance for creating waterfronts that are resilient, ecological, accessible, and beneficial to communities.
Fellows will participate in WEDG professional training and receive support to prepare for the Associate examination. The fellowship covers the testing costs, and participants who complete the required exam receive a $700 award.
Fellowship Benefits
Participants in the Climate Resilience Fellowship will receive:
- WEDG training and exam preparation
- The opportunity to earn the WEDG Associate credential
- Hands-on climate resilience and technical training
- Career exploration and professional development
- Opportunities to meet climate and environmental professionals
- Connections to internships, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities
- Opportunities to participate in community-based climate projects
- A $700 award upon completion of the required WEDG examination
- OMNY cards to help with transportation
- Food at in-person sessions
The $700 payment is therefore not simply an upfront fellowship stipend, and according to the official programme information, it is provided after participants complete the specified WEDG exam requirement.
Who Can Apply?
The official programme is specifically aimed at young people who:
- Are 17-24 years old
- Live in New York City
- Are from or connected to a New York City environmental justice community
- Are willing to learn and work with others
- Can commit to approximately 100 hours of training and engagement over 16 weeks
Applicants do not need previous experience in climate resilience, environmental science, waterfront design or climate planning. The programme welcomes young people with different interests, including science, technology, art, design, community work and environmental issues.
Programme Duration and Location
The 2027 fellowship will run from January 2027 to April 2027
Participants should expect approximately 6-8 hours of engagement each week, with the full programme involving close to 100 hours of training and activities.
Activities will take place at locations including:
- Waterfront Alliance’s office in Manhattan
- Community and partner locations
- Libraries
- Waterfronts
- Parks
- Field research sites across New York City’s five boroughs
Some activities may take place during evenings or weekends.
Fellowship Cohort
Each cohort is expected to include approximately 60 fellows, with around 120 young people participating across two cohorts.
The programme is designed to bring young people from different backgrounds together while connecting them with professionals already working in the climate resilience sector.
Accessibility and Support
Waterfront Alliance says it aims to make the programme accessible to participants. Training locations are selected with public transportation in mind, and indoor workshops are held in ADA-accessible spaces. OMNY cards are provided to help with transportation, while food is available during in-person sessions.
Reasonable accommodations are also available for fellows with disabilities or specific access requirements. Translation or language assistance can be coordinated when requested.
How to Apply for the Waterfront Alliance Climate Resilience Fellowship 2027
Applicants should apply through the official Waterfront Alliance Climate Resilience Fellowship application form. Here are the application steps:
- Visit the official Waterfront Alliance Climate Resilience Fellowship page.
- Review the eligibility requirements carefully.
- Access the fellowship application form.
- Complete the required sections of the application.
- Provide accurate information about your background and interests.
- Submit the completed application before the deadline.
Applicants should make sure they meet the NYC residency and community eligibility requirements before applying.
Waterfront Alliance Climate Resilience Fellowship Deadline
The application deadline is: October 31, 2026
Applicants are expected to be notified about acceptance before December 15, 2026. The first 2027 cohort is scheduled to run from January through April 2027.
Waterfront Alliance Climate Resilience Fellowship 2027 – Official Website
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Waterfront Alliance Climate Resilience Fellowship fully funded?
The official programme does not describe it as a traditional fully funded fellowship. Instead, participants receive training, transportation support, and food at in-person sessions, while those who complete the specified WEDG examination requirement receive a $700 award.
How much is the fellowship stipend?
The official information does not describe a regular monthly stipend. Participants who complete the required WEDG exam receive $700.
Who is eligible?
The programme is for people aged 17-24 who live in New York City and are from or connected to an NYC environmental justice community.
Do I need previous climate or environmental experience?
No, the official announcement specifically states that applicants do not need prior knowledge of waterfront design, climate planning, climate science, or environmental work.
How long is the programme?
The fellowship lasts approximately 16 weeks, running from January through April 2027.
Is the fellowship online or in person?
It involves a combination of workshops, field experiences, and community activities. Participants should expect both virtual and in-person engagement, including activities at locations around New York City.
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