Scholarship in US

University of California Launches New Sustainability Scholarship for Incoming Freshmen

July 10, 2024 – In a move to attract top talent and further its commitment to addressing climate change, the University of California system announced the launch of a new full-ride scholarship program focused on sustainability and environmental studies. The “UC Green Futures Scholarship” will provide comprehensive financial support, including tuition, room and board, and a stipend, to 50 incoming freshmen across the UC’s 10 campuses starting in the fall of 2024.

Scholarship Benefits & Opportunities:

Eligible applicants must indicate an intent to major in fields such as environmental science, climate science, sustainable energy, conservation biology, or a related interdisciplinary program. In addition to strong academic credentials, the scholarship will consider applicants’ demonstrated commitment to sustainability through extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or prior research experience.

“I’m thrilled that the UC is making such a significant investment in students who are eager to tackle environmental issues head-on,” said Sarah Abrams, a high school senior from Los Angeles who plans to apply for the scholarship. “This is exactly the type of support I’ve been looking for to turn my passion for renewable energy into a viable career path.”

The UC Green Futures Scholarship builds on the system’s broader initiatives to address climate change and promote sustainability. In 2022, the UC system pledged to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its 10 campuses and five medical centers by 2025, making it the first university system in the United States to set such an ambitious target.[1] The system has also launched several multimillion-dollar research grants to fund innovative solutions in areas like carbon capture, renewable fuels, and sustainable urban design.[2]

“Tackling the climate crisis will require a multi-pronged approach, and that starts with empowering the next generation of environmental leaders,” said Shauna Rhone, the UC’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “This scholarship program is designed to attract top talent and give them the resources they need to turn their ideas into real-world impact.”

The application process for the UC Green Futures Scholarship will open on August 1, 2024, with a deadline of November 30, 2024. Finalists will be invited to participate in a competitive interview process before recipients are selected in early 2025. In addition to full financial support, scholarship winners will also receive personalized academic advising, access to research opportunities and internships, and membership in a tight-knit community of sustainability-minded peers.

“This scholarship has the potential to be truly transformative, not just for the individual students, but for the future of our planet,” said Abrams. “I’m honored to have the chance to be part of this pioneering program and contribute to the UC’s sustainability mission.”

For more information on the UC Green Futures Scholarship, including eligibility criteria and the application process, prospective students can visit the UC Admissions website at admissions.universityofcalifornia.edu.

References:

[1] University of California. (2022). UC sets goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2025. https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/press-room/uc-sets-goal-achieving-carbon-neutrality-2025

[2] University of California. (2023). UC Launches New Sustainability Research Grants. https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/uc-launches-new-sustainability-research-grants

Scholarship Details:

• Full tuition, room & board, and a $5,000 annual stipend for four years
• Open to incoming freshmen at any of the 10 UC campuses
• 50 scholarships awarded per year, renewable for up to 4 years
• Eligible majors: environmental science, climate science, sustainable energy, conservation biology, and related interdisciplinary programs

Application Process:

• Application period: August 1, 2024 – November 30, 2024
• Required materials:
  • Academic transcripts
  • Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT)
  • 3 letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement (500 words)
  • Description of sustainability-related activities/experience (300 words)
• Finalists will be invited to an in-person interview in early 2025
• Recipients announced by March 2025 for the Fall 2025 academic year

• Access to dedicated academic advisors and career counseling for sustainability-focused careers
• Guaranteed research assistant or internship positions with UC sustainability institutes and labs
• Participation in an annual sustainability leadership conference
• Membership in a scholar community focused on environmental advocacy and project-based learning

For more details, check the UC Admissions website at [admissions.universityofcalifornia.edu/green-futures-scholarship].