Scholarships for Environmental Science Students

Looking for More Money for College?

Environmental science as a field of study has been growing in popularity since the 1960s, and today there is a wealth of scholarship aid available from all manner of private and public organizations. It is impossible to present more than a small segment of the totality here, but the following is a reliable cross-section of the potential assistance.

Government Scholarships

Udall Foundation

The Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation focuses on helping students who are planning careers in environmental science. If you are a sophomore or junior in the field, you can apply for the Udall Scholarship, worth as much as $5,000. Here are a few notes on criteria for competition.

Your ability to lead and community service are paramount, followed by your grades. It is expected that you will rank in the top 25% of your class with a GPA of at least 3.0. You do not apply directly; instead, your faculty representative will nominate you by submitting an application, with supporting documentation, on your behalf. That representative will serve as your link to the foundation, and since the process is competitive, there are several web pages of advice offered on the site that both you and your representative should review.

Environmental Protection Agency

The Environmental Protection Agency and the Marshall Commission have joined forces to sponsor the EPA Marshall Scholarship, designed for Marshall scholars whose graduate work focuses on an environmental field (for example, restoration, public health, or stewardship). At most, you can fund five years of study using an EPA Marshall, the first two years of which must take place in the U. K. Study thereafter can occur in either the U. K. or the U. S., and students who take a global approach to solving environmental problems will receive priority.

Scholarships From Private Organizations

Ohio Academy of Science

The Ohio Academy of Science obtained a grant from the state of Ohio to fund the Ohio Environmental Science and Environmental Engineering Scholarships. The scholarships bring $1,250 for a two-year course of study, and $2,500 for a four- or five-year program. There are five criteria for judging applications:

• Grades. Your GPA must be at least 3.0.
• Accomplishments, including your education, work experience, and particularly any professional activity like presenting or publishing your own research. Highlight the contributions you have made to environmental science.
• Personal statement on your goals in the field of environmental science.
• Reference letters from teachers and environmental professionals.
• Extracurricular activities and community involvement.

American Nuclear Society

The American Nuclear Society (ANS) provides a lengthy page on its financial aid, which includes the Environmental Sciences Division Scholarship. The nuclear energy industry wants to promote its product as a safe, environmentally friendly option, and the scholarship funds a student who is concentrating on the environmental aspect of nuclear science. Contact ANS for details on how to apply.

Scholarships From Colleges

University of California, Riverside

The University of California, Riverside’s Department of Environmental Sciences lists several scholarships:

• The Albert Marsh Environmental Sciences Scholarship reimburses project-based expenses up to $2,000. Graduate students can seek money for professional meetings, including conferences or meetings with coworkers on your own research. Required documentation includes a transcript, budget, and statement of how the item furthered your work.
• The Stolzy Letey Environmental Science Travel Scholarship, for both graduate students and undergraduates, is another reimbursement program, and supports students who want to make a presentation at the annual Soil Science of America meeting.
• The George and Hilda Liebig Environmental Science Scholarship for Undergraduate Excellence gives $500 to the Environmental Sciences major who graduates with the highest cumulative GPA. The determination is made based on your grades at the end of the spring quarter (senior year).

Northern Arizona University

The School of Earth Sciences and Environmental Sustainability at Northern Arizona University offers a number of scholarships suitable for environmental science students:

• The Environmental Fund for a Sustainable Future Scholarship is given to a junior or senior major who is actively involved in protecting or restoring environments in northern Arizona, and shows promise of achievement in environmental science or politics.
• The Lisa Marie Jones Memorial Scholarship, also for junior and senior environmental science majors, assists a full-time student who resides in Arizona, has a GPA of 2.5, and can demonstrate financial need.
• The Bill Morrall Conservation Scholarship is intended for a graduate student who follows in the footsteps of the Northern Arizona environmentalist for whom the award is named.

Washington State University

Washington State University (WSU)’s School of Earth & Environmental Sciences has reserved seven scholarships for its environmental science students. Here are three examples:

• The Lorry and Judy McCroskey Endowment Fund makes awards to juniors and seniors who will complete the Environmental Science and Regional Planning program at WSU as graduate students.
• The Rockie Family Scholarship gives $500 to majors on the basis of academic history and financial need.
• The Outstanding Senior Scholarship pays all tuition at the in-state rate for a senior environmental science major who has achieved excellence. You can apply in the spring of your junior year.