How competitive is scholarship funding? What do you look for in scholarship candidates?

We do our best to provide funding to all deserving candidates. In general, motivated students that can clearly articulate a passion for sustainability and the potential to become an environmental leader will receive a funding award. We want to see nuance and an understanding of important environmental concepts communicated in your application. Most of all, we want you to draw a clear line between the Sustainable Summer program and your goals. Be specific and be sure your references can back up your ambitions and potential. We aren’t always able to place students on their first choice program and the amount of funding you request is not always met, but it is rare that a strong applicant is denied a scholarship outright.

Be sure to articulate clearly and concisely how Sustainable Summer will benefit you keeping in mind that competitive candidates for scholarships will possess all of the following:

• A demonstrated personal commitment to and interest in achieving environmental sustainability
• An application that articulates how Sustainable Summer will benefit the participant and help him or her become a future sustainability leader
• A letter of recommendation that underscore all of the above
• Clear financial need

Scholarships are not granted on merit alone; only those students who could not attend a program without financial assistance will be awarded scholarship funds.