Fifteen scholarships of $5,000 annually are awarded to students interested in pursuing any major while complementing their studies with a minor in environmental and sustainability studies or sustainable enterprises. Another option is to major in environmental studies, environmental and sustainability studies, or environmental and ecological science while pursuing any minor.

Real-World Impact: As a Sustainability Scholar, you’ll be encouraged to engage in mentored research during your junior and senior years, exploring topics that relate directly to sustainability.

Global Perspective: You can study abroad in a course focused on sustainability.

Community of Building: Receive priority consideration for the Sustainability LLC during your first year and for the Eco-Village LLC for the following three years.

Leadership Development: Participate in the Sustainable Leadership Program, a program that helps develop leadership skills to find your place in the climate movement.

Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteer with Campus Kitchen, an on-campus service opportunity through the Kernodle Center for Civic Life that includes collecting fresh produce from Loy Farm and then preparing and delivering the meals to those in need in the Burlington community. Other volunteer opportunities are available through the Office of Sustainability’s volunteer program.

Program Highlights

Year One

  • Take COR 1100 The Global Experience with the cohort of Sustainability Scholars
  • Receive priority consideration for the Sustainability LLC
  • Learn about leadership and volunteer opportunities connected to sustainability
  • Participate in formal and informal social events with other Sustainability Scholars
  • Volunteer on campus or with local community partners

Year Two

    • Receive priority consideration for the EcoVillage LLC
    • Begin process of finding a research mentor and developing a project related to sustainability
  • Participate in formal and informal social events with other Sustainability Scholars
  • Consider taking a study abroad course focused on sustainability
  • Participate in the Sustainable Leadership Program
  • Volunteer on campus or with local community partners
  • Serve as a mentor for first-year Sustainability Scholars

Year Three

  • Receive priority consideration for the EcoVillage LLC
  • Begin sustainability project with research mentor
  • Participate in formal and informal social and educational events with other Sustainability Scholars
  • Consider taking a study abroad course focused on sustainability
  • Participate in the Sustainable Leadership Program
  • Volunteer on campus or with local community partners

Year Four

  • Receive priority consideration for the EcoVillage LLC
  • Finish sustainability project with research mentor
  • Participate in formal and informal social and educational events with other Sustainability Scholars
  • Consider taking a study abroad course focused on sustainability
  • Volunteer on campus or with local community partners

Ready to Apply?

Students with substantial and broad leadership experiences in their high school and/or communities are competitive candidates for Elon’s Scholars programs. Fifteen Sustainability Scholars are selected in each first-year class.

The Sustainability Scholars application is due January 10 and available in the first-year application.