Challenging Problems and Sustainable Solutions - Training a Community of Interdisciplinary Sustainability Scholars

This program funds low-income, first-year students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison who are studying science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and interested in obtaining undergraduate degrees with a focus on sustainability and community. Incoming first-year students in any STEM discipline who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents are welcome to apply. Seven (7) students will be selected each year to receive up to $10,000 for four (4) years ($40,000 total) to support their education. Those selected will join a small cohort that will engage in sustainability activities and discussions throughout their undergraduate careers. This includes interacting with researchers and leaders on campus and the opportunity to join one of two sustainability certificate programs to supplement their STEM majors. Selected students will meet regularly with their small group of peers, be eligible for a paid summer sustainability training and internship program between their first and second years, and will have opportunities to participate in sustainability-related lectures, professional development programs, conferences, and field trips. During their first semester, students will enroll in a 1-credit seminar with other members of their cohort, and during their third and fourth years, students will enroll in the 1-credit Community Environmental Scholars Program (CESP) seminar, which brings together students from many disciplines and uses community service and environmental or sustainability studies as the core organizing principles for a cohort-based mentoring and professional development experience. This is a great opportunity for additional funds for those interested in pursuing sustainable concepts in conjunction with their desired STEM program. This scholarship is funded by a National Science Foundation S-STEM award #2221468.

Award
up to $10,000 per year
Organizations
Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies
Deadline
03/15/2025
Supplemental Questions
  1. This program funds low-income, first-year students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison who are studying science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and interested in obtaining undergraduate degrees with a focus on sustainability and community. Incoming first-year students in any STEM discipline who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents are welcome to apply. Seven (7) students will be selected each year to receive up to $10,000 for four (4) years ($40,000 total) to support their education. Those selected will join a small cohort that will engage in sustainability activities and discussions throughout their undergraduate careers. This includes interacting with researchers and leaders on campus and the opportunity to join one of two sustainability certificate programs to supplement their STEM majors. Selected students will meet regularly with their small group of peers, be eligible for a paid summer sustainability training and internship program between their first and second years, and will have opportunities to participate in sustainability-related lectures, professional development programs, conferences, and field trips. During their first semester, students will enroll in a 1-credit seminar with other members of their cohort, and during their third and fourth years, students will enroll in the 1-credit Community Environmental Scholars Program (CESP) seminar, which brings together students from many disciplines and uses community service and environmental or sustainability studies as the core organizing principles for a cohort-based mentoring and professional development experience. This is a great opportunity for additional funds for those interested in pursuing sustainable concepts in conjunction with their desired STEM program. This scholarship is funded by a National Science Foundation S-STEM award #2221468. Please click “Yes” to continue with an application for this program.
  2. The goal of the “Challenging Problems and Sustainable Solutions” scholarship is to help you explore the connections between your chosen STEM discipline and sustainability. Briefly explain your interest in sustainability. What sustainability challenges most interest you? What connection do you see between your STEM discipline and sustainability?
  3. Describe three ways you imagine sustainability will play a role in your future.
  4. Developing sustainable solutions often requires you to work in teams. Describe an experience you have had working in a team. What is your teamwork style (leader, mediator, listener, worker, etc.)?
  5. Describe a character trait that you are proud of and that you think will help you as you work on sustainability in college. Also, describe a character trait that you admire in others and that you would like to build for yourself. Provide explanations with your responses.
  6. This program offers financial aid to eligible students. Please describe any special circumstances affecting your level of financial need. Be as specific as you feel comfortable.
  7. How did you find out about the “Challenging Problems and Sustainable Solutions” Scholarship?
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