Fellowships
Fellowships for students with a strong background on environmental issues include:
Beinecke Scholarship
The Beinecke Brothers Memorial Scholarship awards $4,000 upon completion of undergraduate studies and $30,000 annually for graduate study in the arts, humanities, or social sciences. Candidates must have a history of need-based financial aid, and preference is given to those for whom the awarding of a scholarship would increase the likelihood of being able to attend graduate school. Completed Beinecke applications have an early NU internal deadline.
Boren Scholarship
The Boren Scholarship funds study abroad trips for American students, those with interests in environmental issues are encouraged to apply! The Office of Fellowships offers application workshops and essay support for applicants.
Carnegie Junior Fellows
The Carnegie Endowment is looking for Junior Fellows to conduct research, co-author journal articles and policy papers, participate in meetings with high-level officials, and contribute to Congressional testimony. Strong candidates will demonstrate significant undergraduate research experience and have a GPA of 3.65+. The Carnegie Endowment strives to concentrate on analysis of foreign affairs for the benefit of all nations rather than to promote a narrow political agenda. Click here to learn more about the Fellowship.
Request an application by writing to fellowships@northwestern.edu. US citizenship is not a requirement for this competition.
Circumnavigator's Travel-Study Grant
Jointly funded by Northwestern University and the Circumnavigators Club Foundation, this $9,000 award allows the winner to spend the summer traveling to at least five different countries (excluding the U.S. and Canada) on at least three different continents. Applicants must be full-time Northwestern juniors (see "Guidelines" below for additional eligibility requirements). During the trip, the winner will study/research a topic of her/his choosing.
Fulbright Scholarship
The Fulbright Scholarship, sponsored by the U.S. State Department, is the largest U.S. international exchange program, offering opportunities for students to undertake international graduate study, advanced research, and teaching in elementary and secondary schools. Prospective applicants should file a registration form with the Office of Fellowships as soon as they have formed their plans. Completed Fulbright applications have an early NU internal deadline.
Hollings Scholarship
The Hollings Scholarship provides up to $8,000 towards undergraduate tuition for one year (renewable for a second) for sophomores majoring in fields relevant to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It also includes a 10-week internship at a NOAA facility after junior year and conference travel.
Lane Environmental Studies Grant
The Lane Environmental Studies Grant is a special research grant sponsored by Weinberg that provides funding for research on environmental issues. A prior application for a URG is NOT required.
National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates
The NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates Program (REU) supports research participation by undergraduates in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. REU projects involve students in ongoing research programs or in research projects specifically designed for the REU program. They usually include 8-10 weeks of full-time research, a $3,500 stipend, and coverage of housing and travel.
Northwestern Public Interest Program
The NU Public Interest Program is a one-year fellowship experience that introduces graduates to organizations whose missions are to create sustainable social change. For 10-12 months, NUPIP fellows work in Chicago non-profit organizations that address issues such as the environment and community and economic development.
Truman Scholarship
Truman Scholars receive up to $30,000 for graduate or professional school, participate in leadership development activities, and have special opportunities for internships and employment with the federal government. Applicants are college juniors who plan to pursue careers in government or elsewhere in public service.
A good candidate for the Truman Scholarship meets the above eligibility requirements and has an extensive record of public and community service; outstanding leadership potential and communication skills and is committed to a career in government or elsewhere in public service.
Udall Scholarship
The Morris K. Udall Scholarship is a $5,000 award for tuition, fees, books, room and board, and other approved expenses. Sophomores and juniors who have a demonstrated commitment to careers related to the environment or for Native American or Alaska Native students who have a demonstrated commitment to careers related to tribal public policy or Native health care are eligible.
Undergraduate Research Grant
Undergraduate Research Grants (URG), administered by Northwestern’s Office of Undergraduate Research, support independent academic and creative work in all fields of study. Under faculty supervision, URG awardees immerse themselves in novel scholarly projects in the laboratory, the library, or the studio, on campus and around the world. There are Academic Year URGs, which cover research expenses up to $1000 during the school year, and Summer URGs, which provide an unrestricted $3000 to cover research living expenses for full time summer projects.
WCAS Grants for Undergraduate Research
The Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences offers summer and academic year undergraduate research funding in all fields for students whose proposals are not accepted for URGs. Please note that only Weinberg students (not students at other NU schools who also have a Weinberg major) are eligible.
Applications for academic year grants are processed on a rolling basis, and summer applications are due by the Wednesday of spring quarter reading week.
Woods Hole Scholarship
The Woods Hole Summer Student Fellowship is a 10-week research internship for juniors and seniors at $450/week at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. Competitive applicants will have an interest in ocean sciences, oceanographic engineering, math, or marine policy. There are also Woods Hole Minority Fellowships.
For more information about fellowships and deadlines, please visit the Office of Fellowships.