Richard Rockefeller Fellowship

While "Mid-career" generally suggests a considerable level of professional experience beyond entry-level, there is no specific number of years of work experience required for the fellowship application.

The preliminary program schedule and important dates outlined in the recruitment information are not expected to undergo major changes.

Selected fellows are required to attend a two-day pre-departure event at the Columbia Global Center Beijing, as well as a one-day program conclusion event (travel support will be provided for fellows outside of Beijing). In addition, fellows receive ongoing professional guidance through flexible one-on-one meetings with fellowship mentors from September through November.

Selected fellows will travel to the U.S. in late September (exact dates to be announced) for four weeks of tailored academic experiences, meetings, site visits and events in New York, followed by one week of field visits and meetings on the West Coast. The five-week program will be intensive, and fellows must commit to attending all scheduled program activities, with no unexcused absences permitted.

We expect applicants to demonstrate:

• Mission Alignment
  • Significant vision and potential to become a social impact leader in China, with a strong commitment to sustainable development and addressing climate issues.
• Personal Quality
  • Optimistic, inquisitive, and open-minded, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
  • Approach societal challenges with creativity, critical thinking, and cross-disciplinary perspectives.
• Potential for Growth and Learning
  • A strong desire to acquire new knowledge and skills to overcome current challenges (e.g., scaling impact, securing funding, refining strategy).
  • Actively seeks opportunities for personal and professional growth through academic and network resources.
  • Presents a realistic plan for applying new knowledge and skills to their work.
• Skills and Experience
  • Excellent communication, research, and writing skills in English.
  • Demonstrated track record of entrepreneurial or leadership experience in social enterprise, nonprofit, or impactful projects.

Applicants who have not earned their undergraduate or graduate degree from a country where English is the official and widely spoken language must provide evidence of English proficiency.

Acceptable documentation includes recognized test scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, DET) or proof of significant professional experience where English was used as the primary language for communication, such as employment verification, written statements from employers, transcripts from English-taught programs, or evidence of articles, reports, or projects published in international journals in English.

All proof documents must be submitted at the time of application and cannot be deferred.

While applicants come from diverse backgrounds such as social enterprises, nonprofits, the business sector, and academia, they are expected to engage in careers closely related to addressing climate issues and promoting sustainable development. The program's curriculum and practical activities are centered around these themes.

There is no cost associated with the program. It fully covers international travel, housing for the five-week stay in the United States, meal allowances, course materials, local transportation, and a stipend.

Participants are required to be on-site during the U.S. trip, which depends on them being able to successfully get a visa.

The Beijing Global Center will offer guidance on visa application requirements and provide a fellowship offer letter to support your visa application. Financial support for visa fees may also be available.