Causecast

by CLAIRE MORGENSTERN, Contributing Writer

Thanks in part to President Obama’s emphasis on creating green jobs, the number of students enrolled in environmental science programs at colleges and universities has skyrocketed. This trend, coupled with the rising costs of college and the number of families who are strapped for cash due to the recession, has led to the rise of new scholarships designed specifically for students who plan to study environmental science.

It makes sense. While Obama may be adding jobs in environmentally-friendly fields, if there aren’t enough individuals with the necessary training to fill those jobs, the projects can’t move forward. Luckily, a host of both private and governmental agencies have stepped in to create scholarship opportunities to help close that gap.

“We’ve definitely been seeing more students coming in who are interested in environmental science,” said Stephanie Wallach, director of the Fellowships and Scholarships Office at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pa.

In addition, Wallach explained that more students of all disciplines, from nanotechnology to art and design, have been approaching their coursework from an environmental perspective.

“[The environment] allows them to find in their discipline something with a broader social impact,” she said. “They enjoy the fact that they like their field but can be part of something that benefits the larger world.”

Wallach did not think that the Obama administration’s focus on the environment had a direct impact on her students’ choices; however, she did feel that students will gravitate towards more environmental opportunities because they “know that the federal government is behind what they’re doing.”

There are now hundreds of environmental scholarships available for undergraduate and graduate students. Below is a short list of A-listers.

Morris K. Udall Scholarship: The Udall Foundation, established by Congress in 1992, provides annual awards of up to $5,000 to students who have demonstrated a commitment to environmental resource issues in their coursework, jobs, or extracurricular activities. The program is named in honor of Morris Udall, a member of the Arizona House of Representatives in the 1960s who was instrumental in passing important legislation on environmental conservation issues.

Marshall Scholarship: Jointly sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.K.’s Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission, the Marshall Scholarship is awarded to up to three students each year who have strong foundations in environmental science. Each awardee receives up to five years of paid graduate study.

Annie’s Sustainable Agriculture Scholarships: Yes, the same Annie that makes the organic bunny-shaped mac ‘n’ cheese you love so much. As part of its community giving initiatives, this natural foods company awards a total of $50,000 annually to students pursuing degrees in environmental science, sustainable agriculture, or a related field.

Refuge Centennial Scholarship for Conservation: Back in 2003, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge System, and the Walt Disney Company teamed up to develop a scholarship program in honor of the centennial anniversary of the National Wildlife Refuge System (Disney provided the initial $100,000 donation). Since then, each year scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 have been awarded to undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate a commitment to improving conservation in wildlife refugees.

Izaak Walton League of America National Scholarship Program: The Izaak Walton League of America, one of the country’s oldest conservation organizations, annually awards $2,500 scholarships to two undergraduates studying conservation or environmental science. The catch? You or a family member already has to be a member of the organization at the time of application. However, Save Barnegat Bay, a former chapter of the Izaak Walton League that has since formed its own non-profit, offers $1500 scholarships to students studying natural resources.

Photo by greenforall.org, Flickr.