Grants for Environmental Science Students
Seize Your Opportunity
Now more than ever the state of the natural world, its resources, natural ecosystems and the future of the planet are at the forefront of technological innovation, global politics and social commentary.
A career in the realm of environmental sciences may include the fields of: chemistry, biology, forestry, geology, wildlife conservation, natural resource conservation, geology, environmental law and policy.
Grants from the Federal Government
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the federal department established for regulating the environmental impact of big business and industry, educating the public and maintaining the integrity of the natural resources of the United States. In order to continue supporting the education of environmental science students and encouraging careers in public sectors, the EPA not only administers its own grants, but also maintains a comprehensive list of the most current EPA student grant opportunities. Environmental Science students interested in pursuing a career with the EPA or desiring experience in a government sector may find grants appropriate for both field work and research among many of the EPA offices and departments.
The EPA's Office of Environmental Education offers grants that are designed to generate interest among Environmental Science students to pursue careers in environmental policy and environmental management.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awards grant money to minority colleges to help support the ongoing education of Environmental Science students from a historically underrepresented population. Students eligible to receive NOAA grants must not only be engaged in an Environmental Sciences degree, but also be emphasizing course work and research applicable to the mission and goals of NOAA. NOAA student grants are offered to undergraduate Environmental science students with the intention of fostering interest in the increasingly demanding field.
Students who may be unable to cover the cost of college right out of high school and who have an interest in the environmental sciences might also explore AmeriCorps. This government funded volunteer/community service organization "employs" all types of Americans. Many members serve the organization for a year or two. Service in the AmeriCorps comes with a tidy stipend that may be valuable for those interested in saving for college. Congruently, various projects offer unique experiences that may benefit individuals looking to pursue Environmental Science programs.
College and University Grants
Should you want to study Environmental Science, explore grants and scholarships that may be available directly through the college or university you are either interested in or that you attend. Undergraduate students, particularly minorities and women, will find grants available in many instances through the institution. Also financial aid personnel will likely know of any outstanding grant or scholarship opportunities.
- Willamette University in Oregon maintains a list of approved environmental science fellowships and grants for both undergraduate and graduate students. In partnership with Green Corps, Willamette environmental science graduate students may be eligible to work at the grass roots level in various important environmental causes around the globe. Students given the opportunity receive a regular stipend that helps defray the cost of tuition.
- Connecticut College's Environmental Studies program is one of the finest among the league of smaller liberal arts colleges.
Grants from Private Sources
Students pursuing a career in an environmental science field must also consider the opportunities for funding possible through many private organizations. Especially important to explore are those professional organizations and associations that support and represent professionals working within the environmental field:
- The Morris Udall Foundation provides two college grants for environmental science students, one for undergraduates enrolled in a general degree program and another for graduate students working focusing on environmental policy especially as part of their dissertation research.
- Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation partners with Yale University, Duke University, University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin and University of Montana; Cornell, Florida A&M, University of California-Santa Barbara and Northern Arizona University. The foundation administers the Doris Duke Conservation Fellows Program that provides generous funding to students involved in environmental conservation programs at any of these participating universities.
