Environmental Science Scholarships: Funding Your Path to a Sustainable Future

The growing importance of environmental research and the increasing number of career opportunities in the field have made environmental science a popular choice for students. As companies and researchers focus on improving environmental health, environmentally conscious students need financial support to pursue their studies. Scholarships for environmental science can make college more affordable, allowing aspiring environmentalists to create a sustainable future.

What is an Environmental Science Scholarship?

Environmental scholarships support students who are dedicated to conservation, pollution reduction, and promoting sustainability. These "green scholarships" help students pursuing degrees in environmental science manage the costs of college. Scholarships, like grants, do not need to be repaid, reducing the overall financial burden of higher education. These awards can be one-time gifts or annual support, depending on the specific scholarship criteria.

Bold.org and other platforms offer numerous scholarships for future environmentalists. By applying for these scholarships, students can increase their chances of receiving funding.

How to Find and Apply for Environmental Science Scholarships

The first step in searching for scholarships is to contact your college's financial aid office to explore available assistance and scholarship opportunities. In addition to institutional aid, external scholarship platforms can provide resources to support your educational journey.

Bold.org is dedicated to helping students find scholarship funds and reduce student debt. Creating a Bold.org account allows you to browse numerous available scholarships. This platform is one of the largest independent scholarship programs, offering abundant funding opportunities.

Read also: Camp Scholarships Guide

When applying, it is crucial to read each guideline carefully to understand the requirements and deadlines. Verify that you meet all eligibility criteria before submitting your application. Follow the application prompts and click "apply now" to complete your application.

Tips for Obtaining an Environmental Science Scholarship

College-bound students often wonder how to secure scholarships for environmental studies. Bold.org encourages students in the environmental field to create a free profile to take advantage of its scholarship program. A polished profile allows students to search for scholarships that align with their interests and environmental aspirations.

Featured Environmental Science Scholarships

Scholarships specifically tailored to students pursuing environmental science offer the best chances of success, as they limit the number of eligible applicants. The increasing focus on conserving energy, reducing pollution, and promoting recycling has led to a rise in the number of green scholarships.

Bold.org groups scholarships to make it easier for students to browse and apply. In addition to Bold.org, scholarships can be found through organizations running online scholarship programs and local businesses.

For example, the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) offers the NEHA/AAS Scholarship to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in an accredited college or university with a recognized environmental health sciences curriculum.

Read also: Benefits of NSHSS Scholarships

The Air Waste Management Association (AWMA) provides scholarships to full-time graduate students pursuing careers and research in environmental management, air quality, waste management, and sustainability. AWMA also offers international scholarships.

Bold.org offers numerous scholarships and encourages students to apply for as many as possible to maximize their chances of receiving awards. Here are a few scholarships offered by Bold.org:

Carol S. Comeau Environmental Scholarship: Supports high school seniors in Washington planning to pursue environmental studies in college or trade school.

Scholarships for High School Seniors

High school graduates planning to attend college can find scholarships for environmental studies on platforms like Bold.org. While many scholarships target graduating high school seniors, opportunities for higher education are not limited to this group.

A high school senior pursuing environmental education should contact their college's financial aid office to explore available financial assistance and scholarship opportunities. High school students can begin applying for scholarships as early as fourteen, but should focus on applying during their junior and senior years. The earlier students take advantage of scholarship opportunities, the better their chances of maximizing their awarded scholarships.

1000 Bold Points No-Essay Scholarship
Solgaard Scholars: Access Oceanic Studies for LGBTQ+ Students
“Science for Life” Biology and Health Sciences No-Essay Scholarship
"A Daring Path" No-Essay Scholarship
Black Students in STEM Scholarship Fund

Scholarships for Undergraduate Students

Many students mistakenly believe that scholarships are only for high school students seeking traditional undergraduate degrees. However, numerous scholarships are available for current undergraduate and graduate students attending accredited colleges or trade schools. New scholarships are created daily, providing continuous support for students.

Read also: Scholarship Guide

“Science for Life” Biology and Health Sciences No-Essay Scholarship
Bold Climate Changemakers Scholarship
Bold Optimist Scholarship
Bold Science Matters Scholarship
Bold Learning and Changing Scholarship

Scholarships for Graduate Students

Undergraduate and graduate students can find scholarships to fund their educational journeys. Scholarships for environmental science allow students to focus on their studies without worrying about the financial burden of college. Private companies, states, schools, and organizations like Bold.org award scholarships to graduate students.

Graduate students can combine multiple scholarships with other forms of aid to cover their costs. Both full-time and part-time graduate students are encouraged to apply for environmental science scholarships to alleviate the expenses of their graduate programs.

Tracey Johnson-Webb Adult Learners Scholarship
Supermom Scholarship
Earl Pascua Filipino-American Heritage Scholarship
"Forbidden Foods" Scholarship
"A Courageous Spirit" No-Essay Scholarship

Scholarships for Women in Environmental Science

Organizations and philanthropic funds offer scholarships and grants exclusively for women, who are increasingly attending college but remain underrepresented in many fields. For female students, education provides a path to professional employment and access to exclusive scholarships that promote and uplift women. Female graduate students pursuing majors in earth sciences or other environmental sciences can find scholarships on Bold.org.

Virginia Jeanette Drummond Kissane Women in STEM Memorial Scholarship
Dynamic Edge Women in STEM Scholarship
EmPowered Women Scholarship
Empowering Women Through Education Scholarship
Women’s History Scholarship

Scholarships for International Students in Environmental Science

The United States offers numerous academic programs, world-class institutions, and unparalleled versatility for international students seeking an education in environmental studies. International students should begin financial planning as early as possible, as they have limited access to financial aid and must seek external funding, such as scholarships.

EducationUSA, an international student advising network facilitated by the US Department of State, has over 400 centers in more than 170 countries and territories. This network provides reliable information about opportunities for studying in the United States. Scholarships are essential for international and other underrepresented students seeking funding for their higher education in the US.

Forget Your Student Debt. No-Essay Grant.
Keep Going Forward No Essay Scholarship
Small Seed Big Flower Scholarship
"$$$ Isn't Everything" Scholarship
200 Bold Points No-Essay Scholarship

Additional Scholarship Resources

American Geophysical Union (AGU): An international non-profit scientific community dedicated to advancing the understanding of Earth sciences.
National Garden Clubs: Provides education and resources to promote gardening and conservation. Offers scholarships to students in their junior or senior year of undergraduate school or pursuing a master's degree in horticulture.
Environmental Defense Fund: Works to preserve natural systems through sound science and economics.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): Focuses on understanding weather and changes to the ocean and earth, and protecting marine resources.
National Science Foundation: An independent federal agency dedicated to promoting the progress of science.
Society of Exploration Geophysicists: A resource for students majoring in geological environmental science.
United States Department of Energy (DOE): Works to ensure a prosperous future for the country while utilizing transformative science and technology to meet energy needs. Offers scholarships, internships, and fellowships, mostly for graduate students and teachers.
United States Geological Service (USGS): Studies the Earth, minimizes loss and damage from natural disasters, and manages natural resources.
Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE): Inspires and catalyzes higher education to lead the global sustainability movement.
Brower Youth Awards: Awards six annual prizes to young environmentalists (ages 13-22) working to make a difference through sustainable projects and innovative ideas.
Sierra Club: Believes in exploring and preserving the outdoors and has helped pass key environmental legislation.
Ford Motor Company: Encourages the education of youth.
National Environmental Health Association and the American Academy of Sanitarians: Offer scholarship awards for undergraduate and graduate students in Environmental Health.
National Park Service (NPS): Works to preserve history and maintain National Parks. Offers a variety of scholarships and fellowships for students intending to work for them.
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC): Promotes sustainability in the design, construction, and operation of buildings. Offers need-based scholarships to attend the annual Greenbuild convention.
Going Merry: A platform for finding and applying for scholarships.

Frequently Asked Questions About Environmental Science Scholarships

During the scholarship application process, you may have questions about scholarships or how platforms like Bold.org work. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

What are the major fields of environmental science?

The five major fields are Environmental Chemistry, Ecology, Atmospheric Sciences, Social Sciences, and Geosciences. Each area includes multiple disciplines for students to explore, solve problems, and better understand the environment.

What career opportunities are there with an environmental science degree?

Besides being an Environmental Scientist, career options include Agricultural Scientist, Air Pollution Analyst, Natural Resources Manager, Environmental Engineer, and Marine Biologist. Environmental work programs and activities protect the environment, and students are encouraged to engage in community service to protect the environment.

How to find environmental science scholarships?

Search on scholarship platforms like Bold.org, contact your school's financial office, explore professional research organizations and environmental funds, and check College Board. Creating a free profile on Bold.org allows you to access hundreds of unique scholarships and use filtered search tools to find the best matches.

Do I need an excellent GPA to apply for scholarships?

GPA isn't always a deciding factor. Bold.org offers scholarships for outstanding students with high GPAs, as well as awards with no minimum GPA requirements.

To receive a scholarship, do I have to fill out the FAFSA?

Scholarship policies vary. While some schools may require a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for financial assistance, scholarship applications typically do not. Contact your college's financial assistance office for clarification. Bold.org does not require the FAFSA for scholarship applications.

How will I receive my scholarship award?

Representatives from Bold.org or the scholarship donor will review applications to determine the winner. Once selected and verified, Bold.org will provide payment to the scholarship winner's accredited post-secondary institution to be applied toward tuition and other related educational expenses upon receiving proof of enrollment.

Are scholarships taxable income?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) generally minimizes students' tax obligations on scholarship money. Degree-seeking students are required to pay taxes on scholarship money only if the total exceeds the value of their qualified tuition and related expenses, such as tuition, book costs, and course fees. Other expenses, such as room and board, are not considered qualified costs. The federal government also provides savings plans, tax credits, and deductions to help taxpayers with higher education expenses.

Additional Fellowship Opportunities

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science and Technology Policy Fellowships: Provides opportunities for scientists, mathematicians, and engineers with doctoral degrees to work in offices throughout the EPA on projects of mutual interest.
Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH)/EPA Environmental Health Fellowship Program: Offers training and opportunities for early career public health professionals to work in EPA on current and emerging environmental public health needs.
National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council Fellowships: Enables post-doctoral and mid-career technical professionals to work as visiting scientists at federal laboratories, including EPA, for up to three years.
National Science Foundation Internship Opportunities at EPA: Supports federal student internships through the Graduate Research Internship Program (GRIP) and the Non-Academic Research Internships for Graduate Students (INTERN) Supplemental Funding Opportunity.
Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) Internships, Scholarships and Fellowships: Administers internships and research project training opportunities funded by EPA offices and laboratories and by other government and private sector organizations.
Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program: A leadership development program for advanced degree candidates or graduates who want a career in public service.

Additional Scholarship Programs

Tribal Lands Environmental Science Scholarship Program: Enables Native Americans to work for the environmental protection of tribal lands by assisting them in their pursuit of environmental science degrees. EPA works with the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) to select scholarship winners.
Mary T. Carothers Scholarship: Provides financial assistance of $3,000 to one student annually for field work, research, or classroom work and is open to college undergraduates for summer study following the freshman, sophomore, or junior year.
Tocris Scholarship: Supports students pursuing science-related fields of study (life science, medical science, or health science).
Eckenfelder Scholarship: Supports students interested in pursuing a career in the environmental profession, studying environmental sciences or related fields.
William A. Lewis Scholarship: Aims to honor the legacy of William A. Lewis by supporting underrepresented students interested in pursuing careers in mathematics or other STEM fields.

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