Faculty & Lecturers: Apply for a Penn Climate Student Assistant
A paid, cohort-based student assistantship program designed to support climate-focused research, data, and applied projects across Penn.
The Penn Climate Student Cohort is a new initiative launching in Fall 2026 that connects undergraduate and graduate students with faculty- and lecturer-led climate projects across the University. Designed to foster applied learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional development, the program advances Penn Climate’s strategic priority of preparing the next generation of climate leaders.
Through this program, selected faculty and lecturers will mentor Student Assistants working on clearly defined research- or data-focused projects over the academic year. Students will contribute to project deliverables while participating in a broader interdisciplinary cohort experience that includes monthly convenings and an end-of-year presentation.
Program Description
Penn Climate is now accepting faculty and lecturer proposals for the 2026–2027 academic year.
Selected faculty mentors will be paired with Student Research Assistants or Student Data Assistants to support projects aligned with Penn Climate’s mission and strategic priorities, including climate solutions, interdisciplinary collaboration, and applied impact.
For the 2026–2027 academic year, Penn Climate will support:
- 3 Student Research Assistants
- 2 Student Data Assistants
Each Student Assistant will:
- Work approximately 5 hours per week across the academic year
- Contribute to clearly scoped project deliverables
- Participate in a cohort experience with monthly gatherings and interdisciplinary engagement
- Present their work at an end-of-year showcase
- Receive a certificate recognizing completion of the inaugural Penn Climate Student Cohort
Student roles are intentionally designed to provide meaningful contributions within a limited weekly time commitment and are not intended to function as full-time research positions.
Role of Faculty Mentors
Faculty and lecturer mentors will:
- Define a feasible and clearly scoped project appropriate for a student working approximately 5 hours per week
- Provide ongoing mentorship and guidance throughout the academic year
- Support the development of semester-based goals and deliverables
- Participate in program assessment and evaluation activities
Assessment activities include:
- Submitting a one-page summary of accomplishments
- Attending end-of-year student presentations
- Completing mid-year and end-of-year evaluation surveys
Proposal Requirements
Faculty proposals should be no more than two pages and include:
- Project Scope: A description of the proposed project, its alignment with Penn Climate priorities, and whether the proposal is for a Research Assistant or Data Assistant
- Student Work Plan: An overview of anticipated tasks, deliverables, required skills, and how the student will spend approximately 5 hours per week across the academic year
- Student Learning & Development: A description of how the experience will support student academic, professional, or skill development
- Mentorship Approach: A brief overview of how the faculty member will mentor and support the Student Assistant
Timeline
- May 15 – June 26, 2026: Faculty proposal submission period
- June 30, 2026: Faculty acceptance notifications distributed
- July – August 2026: Student application period
- August 2026: Student selection and faculty matching process
Student Assistants will be matched with faculty based on experience, skills, interests, and project needs.
Application Information
To apply: Send your application to climate@upenn.edu with the subject line “[Last Name] Penn Climate Student Assistant Application”
Deadline: June 26, 2026