If you are a student taking a major in environmental study, the following Henry David Thoreau Scholarship can help you launch a career in a diverse range of green interests. It is sponsored by Henry David Thoreau Foundation, an organization providing financial aid for students interested in the environment.
Through this green scholarship, environmentally-conscious students like you can have the opportunity to pursue a degree related to an eco-oriented field. It’s a great way to cut college costs while also prodding you to do what you love. Here is how you can win it and fund your college.
About Henry David Thoreau Scholarship
The Henry David Thoreau Scholarship is a program targeted at undergraduate students.
It is an initiative of the Henry David Thoreau Foundation that identifies and supports the brightest talents from Massachusetts who are committed to safeguarding nature for future generations.
The foundation provides access to a dynamic network of current scholars and alumni who study and work around the world, offering tremendous opportunities for professional discovery and personal growth.
For instance, the Thoreau Foundation gathers to celebrate the achievements of its scholars and induct new members of the Henry David Thoreau Society for the Environment at its annual reception.
Moreover, scholars and alumni arrange informal mentoring opportunities throughout the year. Through the scholarship, all recipients inspire, challenge and support one another in environmental leadership.
Program Benefits
Each recipient of the Henry David Thoreau Scholarship is eligible to receive up to a $20,000 scholarship. In addition, they are entitled to an environmental internship stipend which usually takes place between the junior and senior years.
Also, the recipients of the fund or as they are familiarly called Thoreau Scholars will be fully supported to pursue their degree in environmental studies. It usually culminates in professional opportunities that speak to their passions.
Henry David Thoreau Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
Just like any other grant, the scholarship has a set of criteria that all applicants must meet to be recognized as Henry David Thoreau Scholars. So, to qualify for the Henry David Thoreau Scholarship, you must:
- Reside in Massachusetts
- Be in your final year at a Massachusetts high school
- Plan to enroll in college the year that the scholarship is awarded
- Demonstrate strong academic qualifications and a commitment to an environmental field
Next, once receive the award, you must:
- Enroll at an accredited U.S. college or university of your choice
- Carry 25% of your undergraduate coursework in subjects related to the environment
- Submit an annual report of your activities in the environmental field, including academic courses
- Provide an official copy of your transcript at the end of each semester
- Maintain greater than a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
In addition, the foundation strongly encourages scholars to complete an internship in the environmental field. The internship program generally runs between the junior and senior years. As a Thoreau Scholar, you will also have the opportunity to apply to the Henry David Thoreau Foundation selection committee for an internship stipend.
Henry David Thoreau Scholarship Application
To apply for the Henry David Thoreau Scholarship, you must access the established system via the log on page. If you have already created an account, you may enter your email and password and log in right away. Otherwise you may want to hit the “Create New Account” button.
Then, you will be directed to the “Email Confirmation” page, so you can confirm that you are receiving emails from the system. Follow the on-screen instructions and click the “Continue” button to finish the registration process.
Upon accessing the system for the first time, you will land on the “Apply” page. To start a request, click on the blue “Apply” button under the “Henry David Thoreau Scholarship” banner. Clicking apply will take you into a form to complete and submit.
Next, work your way through the form responding to the fields. When all of the fields are complete, submit your application. Finally, you will be taken to a confirmation page when a form is submitted successfully.
Closing Date
Online applications for the Henry David Thoreau Scholarship open annually on 15 October. You must complete your application form and submit supporting materials by February 1. Please remember that the foundation will not consider late and incomplete submissions.
Also, note that the selection committee will not accept hand-delivered applications. However, if they request any supplementary materials, you may send them to them to the designated building.
Then, the selection committee will announce its decision on April 30. You can expect to receive the notification via your email address as listed on the form. However, it is possible that one receives unexpected results. In that case, it is best to apply to as many scholarships as possible.
Asia-Pacific Grants are other scholarships that nearly share the same nature as the Henry David Thoreau Scholarship, and you might want to check them out to see if they are the ones you’re looking for.
Contact Details
Whether you have more questions about the endowment program. Or you may have difficulty filling out your application form. If either of these is the case, feel free to contact the Henry David Thoreau Foundation support team at any of the following channels:
Email: jackie@thoreauscholar.org
Telephone: 617-666-6900
Additionally, you can mail a letter to the following address if you are more of the analog type:
Henry David Thoreau Foundation
265 Medford Street, Suite 102
Somerville, Massachusetts 02143
The team will be happy to address any issues you may encounter during the Henry David Thoreau Scholarship application process. All forms of consultation are free. So, beware of scams on behalf of the foundation.
Official Website
Lastly, apply to or learn more about the grant at www.thoreauscholar.org. While Scholarship Story publishes guidance on the program, please note that information is subject to change. In other words, always refer to the official website available to confirm any information you read or hear about the grant.