Application Window: August 3, 2026 - October 23, 2026

About the Program

ELCA is a 6-month national fellowship that brings together emerging leaders from across sectors — government, nonprofit, academia, the private sector, and community organizing — to work alongside Greater Washington, DC communities facing urgent climate challenges.

How It Works

Fellows join collaborative working groups of 8–10 people, each focused on a specific community and climate issue:

• Flood resilience — Capitol Heights, MD
• Residential energy equity — Ward 8, DC
• Extreme heat preparedness — Bailey's Crossroads, VA

Over the course of the program, fellows conduct community stakeholder consultations, analyze local conditions and policy gaps, and develop actionable policy proposals. These proposals are presented at the ELCA Summit in spring 2027.

Who We're Looking For

We welcome emerging leaders from any background — policy, engineering, finance, public health, law, or community organizing. What matters most:

• A genuine interest in climate resilience
• A willingness to listen and learn alongside communities
• The drive to turn insight into impact

Format

This is a primarily virtual program. In-person touchpoints are encouraged throughout when feasible.