Community Environmental Scholars Program application for Sophomores/Juniors and Transfer Students

The Nelson Institute Community Environmental Scholars Program (CESP) is designed for students who want to link their passion for the environment with a commitment to the community. Community Environmental Scholars take a 1-credit seminar (ENVIR ST 317) for three semesters that introduces them to local community-based environmental organizations, provides them with professional training, and gives them a place to discuss the links between environmental studies and community service.

CESP is accepting applications for Spring 2027! CESP is both an academic program and a scholarship program. Program applicants are automatically considered for substantial scholarships (see eligibility criteria below). CESP values applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to community-engaged environmental work. Favorable consideration is given to students whose experiences reflect meaningful collaboration, service, leadership, or learning across a variety of community contexts. The program seeks participants who have shown resilience, initiative, and a commitment to addressing environmental challenges while engaging thoughtfully with a broad range of lived experiences, viewpoints, and community priorities. Experiences that provide insight into the opportunities and challenges facing different communities, including those associated with being a first-generation college student or with rural and urban environments, can contribute to a participant’s ability to engage in community-centered environmental solutions. Applicants whose academic interests align with environmental studies, sustainability, and community-focused environmental solutions, and who would benefit from the program’s academic, professional, and financial support opportunities, are especially well positioned to thrive in CESP.

Who can apply? Sophomores and juniors or transfer students who plan to complete an undergraduate program (certificate or major) in Environmental Studies or Sustainability.

Who can receive a scholarship? Students with unmet financial need who want to link community and environment. Ideal applicants will have 3-4 semesters of study remaining on campus. Applicants with 2 or fewer semesters until graduation will not be considered for a scholarship.

How much can I receive? Up to $4,000 annually, based on unmet financial need.

Questions? Email Kim Wahl (krwahl2@wisc.edu)

Want to find out more about CESP from students and staff?
Check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiZvu9v6K_g

Read this news story: https://nelson.wisc.edu/celebrating-cesp/

Visit the CESP website at: https://nelson.wisc.edu/undergraduate/community-environmental-scholars-program-cesp/

If you experience a problem with the application itself, email Tara Mohan (temohan@wisc.edu).

Be a catalyst for change. Apply to CESP today!

Award
Up to $4,000 annually, based on unmet financial need.
Organizations
Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies
Deadline
10/23/2026
Supplemental Questions
  1. The Community Environmental Scholars Program (CESP) is a professional development, training, and scholarship program for undergraduates with 3-4 semesters left on campus who want to link their passion for the environment with a commitment to learning about and engaging/working with various communities. We welcome applications from all students who are enrolled or interested in the Environmental Studies major or certificate or the Sustainability Certificate. Students with unmet financial need who meet certain other requirements may also be eligible for a significant (up to $4,000/year) scholarship through CESP. Applicants with 2 or fewer semesters until graduation will not be considered for a scholarship. CESP values applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to community-engaged environmental work. Favorable consideration is given to students whose experiences reflect meaningful collaboration, service, leadership, or learning across a variety of community contexts. The program seeks participants who have shown resilience, initiative, and a commitment to addressing environmental challenges while engaging thoughtfully with a broad range of lived experiences, viewpoints, and community priorities. Experiences that provide insight into the opportunities and challenges facing different communities, including those associated with being a first-generation college student or with rural and urban environments, can contribute to a participant's ability to engage in community-centered environmental solutions. Applicants whose academic interests align with environmental studies, sustainability, and community-focused environmental solutions, and who would benefit from the program's academic, professional, and financial support opportunities, are especially well positioned to thrive in CESP. The application below is for both the program and the scholarship. If you meet all of the requirements outlined in the overview above, please click “Yes” to continue with an application for this program.
  2. Do you plan to participate in a study abroad, practicum, or co-op program?
  3. If yes, please indicate which semester(s) you plan to participate in a study abroad, practicum or co-op program, and indicate the length of program, if known.
  4. Did any of your parents/guardians attend college?
  5. Are you a nontraditional student (for example, attending college after a delay for a job, family, or other commitment or currently caring for a child or older relative while attending college)?
  6. Are you a veteran?
  7. Are you a student with a disability?
  8. Are you a member of the Environmental Sustainability Scholars Program (ESSP) (and have taken the ESSP seminar)?
  9. Describe two or three ways you imagine that Environmental Studies or Sustainability will play a role in your future.
  10. The goal of the Community Environmental Scholars Program (CESP) is to help you connect your passions, interests, and skills to the community around you. Tell us how you want to work with communities. What communities? On what issues?
  11. CESP offers financial aid to eligible students. Please describe any special circumstances affecting your level of financial need. Be as specific as you can. To be eligible for a CESP scholarship, you must submit a FAFSA.
  12. How did you find out about the Community Environmental Scholars Program?
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