Natural Resources Scholarships

Members of U.S.-based Indigenous tribes who hold a bachelor's degree and are enrolled or planning to enroll within the next year in a master's, doctorate, or applied conservation training program at a U.S. institution may apply through nomination. Awards provide up to $25,000 total for tuition, living expenses, and field costs, disbursed quarterly above other funding sources. The number of awards varies. A nominator (such as an academic advisor, graduate committee member, or tribal leader) must complete part of the application and serve in a mentorship role. Nominations open each October; contact scholarship@wildnet.org for details.

NSF-funded last-dollar scholarship supporting academically promising BSU undergraduates with unmet financial need in on-campus STEM majors such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, computer science, and environmental studies. Maximum awards reach $15,000 per year toward tuition, fees, housing, meals, and other costs after other aid is applied. Applicants need 30+ transfer credits, Pell eligibility on file by March 3, a 2.5 GPA, and half-time enrollment. Apply through the BSU Foundation Scholarship Application with the STEM Scholars essay by February 1.

First-year thesis-track students in the Great Lakes Environmental Science M.A. program at SUNY Buffalo State may apply for the Huppuch Graduate Tuition Scholarship. Candidates should have a 3.3 undergraduate GPA, Buffalo State faculty support, and research interests in aquatic and watershed sciences. Up to three awards of up to $12,000 per academic year (up to $6,000 per semester) cover tuition, mandatory fees, and books. Complete applications received by the deadline receive full consideration for fall entry. Applicants submit a one-page research interests statement. The Great Lakes Center seeks students with strong writing and analytical skills, especially those interested in aquatic invasive species, climate change, environmental microbiology, or predator-prey dynamics.

Full-time graduate students, or those accepted to a U.S. graduate program, pursuing engineering, environmental sciences, planning, restoration, or related STEM fields may apply. Half of scholarship funds are reserved for Black, Indigenous, and people of color students. Individual awards range from $1,000 to $10,000, disbursed through the recipient's institution for tuition and supplies. Submit an application detailing academic pursuits, financial need, and community service, plus proof of enrollment or acceptance. Anchor QEA supports graduate students addressing environmental challenges.

New Jersey residents who are undergraduate juniors or seniors, or graduate students, with at least 15 completed undergraduate credits and a 3.3 or higher GPA may apply for Land Conservancy of New Jersey scholarships while pursuing environmental science, conservation, natural resource management, or related fields at an accredited college or university. The conservancy awards ten scholarships of $10,000 each, paid directly to the recipient's institution. Submit a resume, a 500-word essay, an official transcript, and two letters of recommendation by the April 1 deadline. For decades the Land Conservancy has supported New Jersey students preparing for careers protecting natural resources, with a selection process committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Full-time master's or doctoral students with a clearly demonstrated interest in solid waste management research (municipal solid waste, construction and demolition waste, industrial waste, and related areas) may apply through the Environmental Research & Education Foundation graduate scholarship program. This named award sits within EREF's broader scholarships; master's awards are up to $10,000 per year and doctoral awards up to $16,000 per year, renewable based on satisfactory progress. Apply online with a research statement (about 500 words), personal statement, CV, transcripts, and three references. The scholarship honors Carl J. Apicella, a longtime EREF supporter and environmental services executive whose career has focused on the solid waste and landfill industry.

The Chris and Amy Doran Climate Fellowship at Seaver College supports one rising junior or senior each year who is committed to educating the Pepperdine community about anthropogenic climate change. The fellow receives a seven thousand five hundred dollar scholarship, enrolls in year-long directed study with a faculty mentor, and presents findings at the Climate Calling Research event. Projects must elucidate climate effects or directly mitigate Pepperdine's climate impact and be explainable to a general audience. Applicants need more than sixty units, a preferred 3.0 GPA, a two-page proposal, and faculty support submitted by March 22.

The Trans World Airlines Scholarship funds undergraduate and graduate students at any University of Missouri System campus who perform or plan research addressing environmental issues. At least seven awards of seven thousand dollars each are granted annually, paid in two equal semester installments. Undergraduates must have completed at least sixty credit hours; graduate students have no hour minimum. Applicants must be full-time Missouri residents for tuition purposes, submit two letters of recommendation, and complete all materials by April 1. Preference goes to students pursuing environmental science, environmental engineering, natural resources, or environmental law careers.

U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents pursuing a master's or PhD in marine science or marine conservation with a minimum 3.5 graduate GPA may apply. Merit-based awards of $5,000 are available for the academic year. Funds cover tuition, fees, research costs, or required course materials. Submit proof of enrollment or acceptance for first-semester graduate students, along with the online application. Multiple scholarships may be awarded annually. The Next Swell is a nonprofit formed to cultivate future marine conservationists and scientists.

Master's or Ph.D. students whose proposed research addresses Great Lakes fishery science and who have not previously received this award may apply through IAGLR. Up to two awards of $5,000 are granted annually to promising graduate researchers, ideally one master's and one doctoral student. Winners also receive a one-year IAGLR membership with a Journal of Great Lakes Research subscription and present at the annual Conference on Great Lakes Research. Submit an online application with CV, transcripts, a research abstract, and a professor endorsement letter by November 1. Applicants may not be current IAGLR Board members or immediate family of board members. The scholarship encourages young scientists to undertake graduate research in fishery biology and enter Great Lakes science.