EESI Future Climate Leaders Scholarship Program
United Negro College Fund
The Environmental and Energy Study Institute is an independent, non-profit organization that promotes creative policy solutions to put us on a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable energy path. They educate politicians, establish alliances and promote policies in favor of sustainable construction and transportation technologies such as energy efficiency and renewable energy sources like wood and biomass. For more than 30 years, EESI has been a trusted source of non-partisan information on energy and environmental issues because it was founded by a bipartisan Congressional caucus in 1984.
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is the biggest and most successful minority education organization in the United States. Through scholarships and other initiatives, UNCF promotes and improves its 37 member schools and universities, advocates for the value of minority education and college preparedness, and serves the young, the community, and the country as a whole. Around one-fifth (20 percent) of all bachelor’s degrees in the United States are awarded by historically Black colleges and universities, such as the UNCF.
The EESI Environmental Scholars program was completely redesigned in spring 2015 with the goal of fostering collaboration across departments (and research groups), enhancing student diversity, and improving recruitment. Laifang Li, Kim Lau, Shujie Wang, and Peter Wilf make up the current EESI selection committee.
Scholarship Summary
The Environmental and Energy Study Institute is an independent, non-profit organization that promotes creative policy solutions to put us on a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable energy path. They educate politicians, establish alliances and promote policies in favor of sustainable construction and transportation technologies such as energy efficiency and renewable energy sources like wood and biomass. For more than 30 years, EESI has been a trusted source of non-partisan information on energy and environmental issues because it was founded by a bipartisan Congressional caucus in 1984.
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) is the biggest and most successful minority education organization in the United States. Through scholarships and other initiatives, UNCF promotes and improves its 37 member schools and universities, advocates for the value of minority education and college preparedness, and serves the young, the community, and the country as a whole. Around one-fifth (20 percent) of all bachelor’s degrees in the United States are awarded by historically Black colleges and universities, such as the UNCF.
The EESI Environmental Scholars program was completely redesigned in spring 2015 with the goal of fostering collaboration across departments (and research groups), enhancing student diversity, and improving recruitment. Laifang Li, Kim Lau, Shujie Wang, and Peter Wilf make up the current EESI selection committee.
Eligibility Requirements
- Eligible Grade: College Sophomore – College Junior
- Maximum Age: Any
- Required GPA: 2.8
- Geographic Eligibility: Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia
- Gender: Any
- Race/Ethnicity: Alaskan Native, Black, Hispanic, Pacific Islander
Key Information of EESI Future Climate Leaders Scholarship Program
Study Details
Area of Study
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Ecology
- Energy
- Engineering
- Environmental Science
- History
- Physics
- Political Science
- Sociology
Country of Study
United States
Specific Schools
- Bennett College
- Bluefield State College
- Bowie State University
- Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
- Coppin State University
- Delaware State University
- Elizabeth City State University
- Fayetteville State University
- Hampton University
- Howard University
- Johnson C. Smith University
- Lincoln University of Pennsylvania
- Livingstone College
- Morgan State University
- Norfolk State University
- North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
- North Carolina Central University
- Saint Augustine's University
- Shaw University
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore
- University of the District of Columbia
- Virginia State University
- Virginia Union University
- Virginia University of Lynchburg
- West Virginia State University
- Winston-Salem State University
Application Requirements
Here’s what you need to submit besides your application.
- Grade transcript
- Essay
- Recommendation letters
- Portfolio
EESI Future Climate Leaders Scholarship Program Timeline
November 1, 2023
Application Opening Date
Applications usually open in early November. Check the website for more accurate dates closer to the time.
January 12, 2024
Submission Deadline
The deadline for applications is around early January. Check the website for more accurate dates closer to the time.
How to ace the EESI Future Climate Leaders Scholarship Program
Don’t miss the deadline
If you miss a deadline, even if your application is stellar or you're perfectly suited for the prize, you'll be instantly rejected.
Submit early
Half of all scholarships have autumn deadlines, while the other half have spring deadlines. Some need you to already be a student at a university to apply. It is always good for students to begin their scholarship quest as soon as possible.
Be passionate
Let your personality shine through in your scholarship essay. Your essay should be filled with specifics that show the reader who you are. It's a good idea to talk about how you overcome a challenge or an issue.
Follow the instructions to the T
It's critical that you provide all of the required documentation and demonstrate that you satisfy the qualifying standards for consideration. Always double-check the criteria for each scholarship application before submitting it!
How the EESI Future Climate Leaders Scholarship Program is Judged
To qualify for the scholarship, students must be U.S. citizens and be enrolled full-time as a sophomore or junior at a historically black college or university (HBCU) in the Mid-Atlantic or Southern Region (Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland. North Carolina. Pennsylvania. Virginia. and West Virginia), and be pursuing an undergraduate degree in a relevant field.
Why We Love the EESI Future Climate Leaders Scholarship Program
Encourages study in sustainability
Students who are studying environmental science or related degrees are encouraged to apply. Increasing the pool of trained and educated people working towards a sustainable future is always a plus.
It’s subject to renewal each year
Scholarship candidates must plan on enrolling as a sophomore or junior at an HBCU in the Mid-Atlantic or Southern Region to be considered for this award. If all of the conditions are completed, the chosen person will be entitled to renew his/her award the following year.
Early application status
About eight weeks following the application deadline, applicants will be informed of their scholarship status.
5 Facts ABout the EESI Future Climate Leaders Scholarship Program
Letter of recommendation guidance
This application requires the submission of a single letter of recommendation and a faculty member or administrator must serve as the recommendation.
Scholarship can be renewed
If all of the conditions are met for the scholarship, the chosen person will be entitled to the renewal of his/her award the following year.
Only applicable to U.S. citizens
In order to qualify for the scholarship, students must be U.S. citizens.
Applicants must be studying at HBCUs
The scholarship may only be used at a Historically Black College Or University (HBCU) in the mid-Atlantic or southern regions.
Ethnicity specific
Only applicable to those who identify as Black, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander, or Hispanic.