Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Environmental Sustainability Foundation Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Environmental Sustainability Foundation (MCCESF)

Introduction
The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Environmental Sustainability Foundation (MCCESF) supports the development of a well-prepared workforce for environmental and sustainability professions. This scholarship helps students pursuing careers in environmental studies, natural sciences, or closely related fields.

Award details
- Up to two scholarships will be granted each academic year, with each award worth up to $5,000.
- Each year MCCESF will select one rising junior (entering their junior year in fall 2025). That student may be eligible to receive the award again as a senior, for a possible total of up to $10,000 over two years.

Who may apply
To be considered, applicants must meet all of the following:
- Be enrolled in a degree program focused on environmental studies, natural sciences, or a related discipline.
- Qualify as a rising junior (beginning junior year in fall 2025).
- Attend an accredited institution in Minnesota or be a Minnesota resident attending school elsewhere.
- Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
- Not be related to any MCCESF directors, officers, or members of the scholarship selection committee.

Renewal (second-year award)
Recipients may receive a second-year scholarship if they satisfy both requirements below:
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher during the first year they receive the award.
- Submit an official transcript by September 1 of the following year to confirm the GPA.

MCCESF will send a reminder email in mid-August with instructions for submitting the required transcript. When both conditions are fulfilled, the second-year scholarship will be issued automatically.

Application requirements and deadline
Applications must be completed online and submitted by February 28, 2025. Required materials include:
- A signed letter of recommendation from a non-relative who has a background in science or natural sciences and who can speak to your goals and abilities.
- A typed essay (300–500 words) describing a personal experience that sparked your interest in environmental sustainability and how it influenced your career goals.
- A current resume.
- An unofficial transcript.

Selection process
The Scholarship Selection Committee may request a remote or in-person interview with applicants before making final decisions.

Disbursement and re-application
Awards are distributed in the fall semester of the academic year. Payment will be sent directly to the recipient’s institution after MCCESF receives a tuition bill. Past recipients are eligible to apply again for an additional year, subject to the renewal criteria above.