Ecology Scholarships

Fight Global Warming, Work with Other Professionals

Ecology is an expanding area of concern, as information points to problems with the way humans interact with the environment.  Global warming evidence and additional sustainability issues are causing more people to seek employment in the ecology industry.  Entering the workforce starts with education, and the industry’s trade organization, the Ecological Society of America, maintains a list of employment options for research specialists, scientists and ecology professors.

Ecologists study how different species interact with their surroundings, so a wide range of scientific disciplines are employed within the field.  Climatologists, biologists, geologists and botanists are only a few of the qualified personnel applying their specialties to study Ecology.  Individual campus financial aid departments, and Ecology Departments are well-equipped to offer scholarship advice, and most schools offer their own assistance.  These  examples illustrate the way colleges support their Ecology programs with financial aid for qualified degree candidates:

Scholarship Programs

Indiana State University, Department of Ecology and Organismal Biology

The Jack Munsee Scholarship in Ecology award from Indiana State ranges from $3000 – $5000 annually, and is presented to a freshman majoring in Biology, or Environmental or Ecological Studies. Financial need is a factor and applicants must submit an essay detailing how the scholarship will factor into their personal ecological career pursuits. The scholarship is renewable as long as the recipient maintains a 2.5 GPA – however, to be considered for the scholarship initially, applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA. Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from a department professor to be eligible for this award.

Lamey-Wellehan Maine Difference Scholarship Program

This is a non school-specific scholarship sponsored by Lamey-Wellehan Shoes and is available to Maine graduating high school seniors entering college the following fall-semester, and Maine residents who have graduated from Maine high schools within the past four years and will be enrolled in college in the fall. Applicants must be enrolled in programs leading to careers relating to the ecology and economics of Maine. The amount of each annual award is $1,000, and it is renewable for each of a college student’s four years of attendance.

University of Maine, Ecology and Environmental Sciences

Eligible applicants for the John F. Boyle Environmental Study Scholarship are outstanding juniors enrolled in the University of Maine program, and carrying minimum GPA standards of 2.5. Applicants must each submit an essay and completed application. The College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture also awards scholarships which assist Ecology education based on need and academic merit.

Colorado State University, Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory

The following are scholarships offered for graduate and undergraduate students affiliated with NREL research projects, and are awarded through the CSU Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory:

• Francis Clark Soil Biology Scholarships are available to graduate and undergraduate students. The total scholarship value of $6,000 is divided among five award recipients. Applicants must submit a description of current research or research proposals, three letters of recommendation, a description of how funds will be used, transcripts and a CV. Financial need is a consideration, however, favorable evaluations are given to those whose research projects will benefit the public.
• James E. Ellis Memorial Graduate Scholarship benefits graduate students who are being advised by researchers on projects with NREL. Applicants should be working on research projects relating to the relationship between humans and the environment. Applicants should submit a description of current research or research proposal, three letters of recommendation, transcripts, a CV and a budget outlining how funds will be spent. Amounts vary, but recently available awards were valued at $1500 each. Financial need is a consideration and favorable emphasis for winning awards is granted to students whose research will benefit the public.

UW-Madison

University of Wisconsin- Madison School of Human Ecology issues scholarships of its own.  The department administers a minimum of 30 individual scholarships annually, with the average award valued at around $2000.  Application requires students to submit several requested documents and online materials, including:  Two letters of recommendation, two individual essays on assigned topics, an online personal profile and other requested documentation.  Scholarship applications are accepted starting in mid-fall, for assistance aimed at the following Fall term.  Application deadline is December 5th.  Current, full-time students are encouraged to apply, provided they are in good academic standing at the University.

Ohio State University Human Ecology

Ohio State University demonstrates commitment to Ecology education with scholarships valued at more than $1.5 million annually.  Aid is earmarked for qualified applicants enrolled in the College of Education and Human Ecology.  Scholarships, fellowships and grants each carry unique eligibility requirements, which should be confirmed with department officials during application.