Environmental Activism Scholarships

Travel scholarship of up to $500 for Grange youth or young adults attending a state or national legislative experience event. Sponsored by Potomac Grange #1 in Washington, D.C., with applications reviewed by the National Grange Youth Team and Legislative Director. Applicants submit an advocacy letter or resolution they wrote, plus two reference letters including one from a state Grange officer. Deadline is February 1; two awards not exceeding $500 each cover travel and lodging for legislative engagement.

NSHSS recognizes three high school members graduating in 2026 through 2029 who actively advocate for a cause and lead community change. Applicants write a 500-to-800-word essay describing the cause they champion, what drives their dedication, and specific actions taken to advance it. Required materials include an educator recommendation, resume, transcript, optional leadership media, and a headshot. Applications open May 6, 2026 and close September 8, 2026.

U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA recipients, or refugees/asylees enrolled full-time in accredited U.S. graduate programs whose careers focus on environmental improvement and social equity may apply for the Switzer Environmental Fellowship. The one-year fellowship includes a $17,000 unrestricted cash award, leadership retreats, and access to the Switzer Network. Required materials include a 2 to 3 page essay, two recommendations, a resume, graduate transcripts, and short-answer questions.

Merit and need-based scholarship for full-time students enrolling at Augustana College who will major in environmental geoscience. Established by 1962 graduates John E. and Mary Thorson Lucken, the award provides up to $8,000 total ($2,000 per year). Applicants submit high school transcripts, a 2- to 4-page reflective essay on geoscience interests and goals, and a recommendation emailed to the department by the March 2 deadline. Renewal requires declaring the major, progressing through required courses, participating in department activities, and maintaining a 3.0 GPA in major courses.

Connecticut residents or immediate family members (spouse or child) of an EPOC member in good standing who are entering junior year, seniors, or graduate students (full- or part-time) at an accredited college with majors pertinent to environmental fields may apply for the EPOC Environmental Scholarship Fund. Accepted programs include environmental science, geology, biology, chemistry, engineering, and related disciplines. Award amount varies. The fund, established in 1998, supports students preparing for careers as technical environmental professionals or in related service disciplines in Connecticut.

Minnesota students majoring in natural resources and environmental sciences may apply for the Art Engelbrecht Environmental Education Scholarship from Viking Sportsmen, Inc. Relevant fields include natural resources management, law enforcement, and aviation. One $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually based on achievement, extracurricular activities, community involvement, leadership, and service. Check the Viking Sportsmen scholarship application for current requirements and deadlines. The award was established in 2007 by family and friends of conservationist Arthur O. Engelbrecht to support students pursuing environmental education.

The Alaska Airlines Environmental Endowed Scholarship Fund supports UH System students committed to environmental sustainability. Applicants complete a 600-word optional essay on the UH System Common Scholarship Application describing their interest in environmental sustainability, related activities, and plans to continue promoting sustainability. The common application matches eligible students to this and other donor-funded awards across UH campuses. Submit the full application by March 2 with general required essays. FAFSA completion by March 1 is encouraged for need-based consideration. Recommender forms are due March 9 if letters are required for matched funds.

The Patricia A. Cole Environmental Education Scholarship memorializes Patricia Cole, a 1974 UW-Stevens Point business administration graduate and Greater Milwaukee Foundation employee who valued environmental education and community service. The award supports a College of Natural Resources student through the annual CNR scholarship application, with typical awards between $500 and $1,000 depending on fund earnings. Applicants complete the CNR or UWSP Scholarship Portal application during the fall cycle. Selection considers major, achievements, and donor criteria shared with the scholarship committee.

The Barker Scholarship for Unpaid Environmental Internships at UC Santa Barbara provides one or two awards of $1,250 per year to declared Environmental Studies or Hydrology majors of at least sophomore standing with a minimum 2.75 GPA. Funded by the Coeta and Donald Barker Foundation, the scholarship reduces financial barriers so students can pursue unpaid or underpaid environmental internships for hands-on field experience. Disbursement requires securing an internship and enrolling in at least two units of ENV S 192. Applications are due at the end of February each year, with winners announced in early April. Recipients submit a one-page internship report before graduating.