Sustainability Foundation Scholarship Application Form

Minnesota Chamber Environmental Sustainability Foundation Scholarship

The Minnesota Chamber Environmental Sustainability Foundation recognizes that a strong, responsible and sustainable future requires a knowledgeable workforce. This scholarship is designed to assist students interested in a career in environmental sustainability related fields.

Up to two recipients will be awarded a scholarship (up to $5,000 each) per academic year.

Read and follow the instructions carefully prior to submitting your application. All recipients will be notified on the first Monday in April.

To be eligible, students must:

· Be a current or rising junior (starting junior year in the fall of 2026)

· Be seeking a degree in environmental studies, natural sciences or other related areas of study, and be interested in pursuing a career in environmental sustainability

· Attend a school located in Minnesota or be a resident of Minnesota

· Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen

· Not be related to any of the directors, officers or selection committee members of the Sustainability Foundation

All applicants are required to:

· Complete the Scholarship Application and submit it no later than 5:00 p.m. CST on February 27, 2026.

· Provide all required documents, including:

-Signed letter of recommendation from a non-relative who has a science/natural science background and is familiar with your goals and aptitude

-In a 300–500 word typed essay, please describe how your college studies support your career goals in an environmental sustainability–related field. You may include your intended career path, relevant coursework, experiences, or skills you are developing, and how you plan to apply them to make an impact in this field.

-A resume

-An unofficial transcript

Your essay should reflect your unique experiences, thoughts, and voice. We will be using AI detection tools to ensure all submissions are your own work. Any submission that is found to be in violation of this policy will be disqualified.

Applicants may be contacted by the Scholarship Selection Committee to conduct an in-person or remote interview before any award decision is made.

The award is offered in the fall semester of each academic year. Past recipients are eligible to re-apply for additional school years. The scholarship will be paid to the applicant’s school once a tuition bill is presented to the Sustainability Foundation.

The Scholarship Selection Committee will be appointed by the Board of Directors of the Sustainability Foundation. The Scholarship Selection Committee will meet on an as needed basis and shall have the sole authority to select award recipients. Neither the Board of Directors of the Sustainability Foundation nor the Scholarship Selection Committee are required to award any scholarships if applications are found insufficient or for any other reason.

The Minnesota Chamber Environmental Sustainability Foundation (Sustainability Foundation) was created in 1994 to help businesses and organizations throughout Minnesota undertake new waste prevention and recycling programs. In 2008, the Sustainability Foundation created the Energy Smart program with the purpose of helping businesses save energy through conservation, efficiency and cost-saving strategies. For the past 31 years, the Sustainability Foundation has helped thousands of organizations throughout Minnesota minimize their impact on the environment and achieve cost savings through waste reduction, recycling, reuse, energy efficiency and other sustainability initiatives.

I have read and understand the instructions.*

Yes

If selected, you will be asked for documentation to support the data you provide. Likewise, all correspondence and award agreements will be generated from the personal information submitted below. So, please use proper spelling, capitalization and punctuation.

This information is only used to for contacting applicants about the scholarship and determining eligibility. This information will not be kept beyond the scholarship recipient decision.

Full Name*

First NameLast Name

Home (Permanent) Address :*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Mobile No. :*

E-mail :*

Where the confirmation will be send to

Name of University or University*

Degree/Major/Minor*

How long have you been enrolled in degree program.*

In years and months

Anticipated Date of Graduation*

Estimated date

Would you be interested in a summer internship program through MCESF?

YesNo

Would you like to receive future communications from MCESF about scholarship, internship, or job opportunities?

YesNo

In a 300–500 word typed essay, please describe how your college studies support your career goals in an environmental sustainability–related field. You may include your intended career path, relevant coursework, experiences, or skills you are developing, and how you plan to apply them to make an impact in this field.

A one-page, 300-500 word, typed essay. *

At least one signed letter of recommendation from a non-relative who has a science/natural science background and is familiar with your goals and aptitude.*

Optional additional letter of recommendation.

Resume*

Unofficial transcript*

By submitting this application, I affirm that the facts set forth in it are true and complete. I understand that if I am accepted as a scholarship recipient, any false statements, omissions, or other misrepresentations made by me on this application may result in the loss of this scholarship. Additionally, I agree to inform MCESF of my first job upon graduating college.

E-Signature*

I. Personal Data:

II. University/College Information:

III. Essay

IV. Documents

V. Applicant's E-Signature