Frequently Asked Questions

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Everything You Need to Know in One Place

Use the questions below to learn who can apply, how the program works, what fellows are expected to do, and what happens after an application is submitted.

Who is eligible to participate?
How much time does the program require?
What happens during the program?
How and when should students apply?

Can’t find your answer? Contact the program team after checking the questions below.

SGAP Fellows Program

Program basics

About the Fellows Program

Learn about eligibility, location, program length, and cohort size.

What is the SGAP Fellows Program?

The SGAP Fellows Program is an approximately six-month sustainability leadership program for students in grades 7–11. Fellows build leadership, communication, collaboration, empathy, accountability, and project-development skills while working in teams on real sustainability projects.

Who can apply?

Students in grades 7–11 may apply. The program is currently open only to students in Montgomery County. Previous leadership experience and advanced technical skills are not required.

Do I need previous leadership experience?

No. Previous leadership experience is not required, although it is recommended. The program is designed to help fellows build leadership skills through teamwork and hands-on project work.

Where does the program take place?

The program’s main meeting location is The ARC Montgomery County. Larger sessions involving the full cohort are generally held every two weeks.

How long does the program last?

The program lasts approximately six months. Exact dates for the next cohort will be added once they are confirmed.

How many students are selected?

Approximately 15 students are selected for each cohort.

Participation

Time, Attendance, and Expectations

Fellows should understand the weekly commitment, attendance expectations, and team responsibilities before applying.

How much time should fellows expect to spend each week?

Fellows should expect to spend approximately four hours per week on full-cohort sessions, project-team meetings, communication, and independent project work.

Are fellows expected to attend every session?

Fellows are expected to attend most sessions. Missing a small number of sessions is understandable, but regular attendance is important because each fellow’s work affects the rest of the project team.

What happens if I miss a session?

Fellows who miss a session should contact their project-team members to learn what was covered. A mentor may also send an email summarizing the session and any next steps.

Will fellows work individually or in teams?

Fellows are divided into two teams, and each team completes its own sustainability project. Fellows collaborate as a group while also completing individual responsibilities assigned by their team.

What should I bring to the sessions?

For the larger sessions, fellows should bring a notebook, a pencil or pen, and a water bottle. Fellows should also bring any project materials requested before a particular session.

Is there homework or work outside the sessions?

Yes. Fellows are expected to respond to emails, complete surveys, meet with their project team, and complete assigned project work outside the larger program sessions. Project teams generally coordinate around their schedules and may meet about twice per week.

Projects

What Fellows Create

Fellows work in teams to design and carry out sustainability projects with guidance from SGAP Leaders and other mentors.

What type of project will I complete?

Each team completes a project related to sustainability. Fellows identify a problem, develop a project idea, plan how the idea will be carried out, and work together to put the project into effect.

Can fellows choose their own project topic?

Fellows first develop and present their own project ideas. The cohort then votes on the proposals. The two highest-voted ideas are selected, and fellows are assigned to one of the two project teams.

Do fellows receive help with their projects?

Yes. SGAP Leaders mentors and other sustainability mentors provide guidance throughout the project. However, most of the planning, coordination, and implementation is completed by the fellows working together.

Will I need advanced technical skills?

No. Advanced technical skills are not required. Fellows can contribute through research, writing, communication, design, organization, creativity, and teamwork. Students who already have technical skills are encouraged to use them to support their projects.

How are projects presented?

Projects are generally presented to a live audience through a team presentation. The presentation normally includes a video connected to the project.

Can I see examples of past projects?

Yes. Visit the Projects page to explore featured projects and their results.

Cost and benefits

What Fellows Receive

Does the Fellows Program cost anything?

The Fellows Program is free to participate in. Project teams may need to apply for grant funding to cover costs associated with carrying out their projects.

Are scholarships or financial assistance available?

Because the program does not charge a participation fee, financial assistance is not needed for enrollment. Project teams may apply for grant funding for approved project expenses.

Do fellows receive volunteer or service hours?

Yes. Fellows can earn Student Service Learning, or SSL, hours for eligible program and project work. Each fellow is responsible for recording their own hours in the VolunTime app and explaining what they completed during those hours.

Do fellows receive a certificate?

Information about certificates or other completion recognition will be shared with fellows when it is confirmed.

What skills can I expect to build?

Fellows can expect to build leadership, collaboration, communication, empathy, and accountability. They also gain experience with project planning, teamwork, and presenting their work to an audience.

Will this program help with future applications or careers?

The program can provide meaningful experience, skills, and projects. However, the website should not guarantee college admission, scholarships, internships, or employment.

Applications

Applying and Hearing Back

Learn about interviews, selection, and how applicants will receive a decision. Dates and required materials will be posted once they are confirmed.

When does the application open?

The opening date for the next application cycle will be posted once it is confirmed.

When is the application deadline?

The application deadline, submission time, and time zone will be posted once they are confirmed.

What do I need to submit?

The complete list of required application materials will be posted when the next application cycle opens.

Is there an interview?

Yes. Applicants should expect to be interviewed by a member of the SGAP Leaders team as part of the application process.

How are fellows selected?

Approximately 15 students are selected for each cohort after the application and interview process. Applicants should show that they are prepared to collaborate, communicate consistently, and contribute to a sustainability project.

When will applicants receive a decision?

The decision timeline will be shared during the application process. Applicants will receive their final decision by email.

How will I know that my application was received?

Details about application-receipt confirmation will be provided when the next application cycle opens.

Still need help?

Contact the Program Team

Use the contact page for questions that are not answered in the FAQ. Include your name, school, grade, and a clear description of your question.

Email: Contact information will be added once confirmed.
Phone: A program phone number will be listed if one is provided.
Response time: Response-time information will be added once confirmed.
Include your name, school, grade, and question in the message.

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