Setting the standard for sustainability leadership development

Since its inception in 2013, the Dow Sustainability Fellows Program has addressed the challenge of creating a sustainable world using natural and social sciences, innovative decision tools, and dynamic approaches to academics, operations, collaboration, and change-making.

Each year, 35 sustainability-minded graduate students from across campus form interdisciplinary teams and collaborate to co-create actionable, high-impact solutions for the clients they serve. Dow Fellows partner with businesses, non-profit organizations, and communities—all in an effort to advance sustainable practices.

Today, the program centers on two critical challenges: addressing climate protection and embracing a circular economy. This sharp focus allows Dow Sustainability Fellows to engage for impact.

Ethical Engagement

In partnership with the U-M Ginsberg Center, Dow Fellows learn about ethical engagement—including valuing community expertise, respecting the spectrum of social identities, and recognizing potential bias.

A STEM Pipeline

The Dow Fellows Program enlists experts from Dow, U-M, and beyond to support student leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines.

Holistic Support

The Dow Fellows Welcome + Retreat, a program kickoff introduced in 2019, accelerates effective team formation and facilitates meaningful discussion around client partnerships. Several professional development sessions provide career-building skills. The Dow Fellows Symposium, the program's capstone event, gives each project team an opportunity to highlight key accomplishments and impacts.