Buddha Teas Fair Trade Scholarship

To enter the Buddha Teas Sustainability Scholarship competition, students must submit an essay explaining their passion for sustainability, and how that led to their decision to study it at the college level. We are looking for essays from applicants that show what drives them, and why they feel that studying sustainability is important.

Essay Theme

For many students, college is a time when they expand their social consciousness and become more aware of the world around them and their role in it. Many colleges, in response to student concerns about the environment and human rights, have become more cognizant of how they use their resources and where they spend their money.

These colleges make sustainable and fair trade practices a priority, ensuring that goods and services purchased by the school, and offered to students, are acquired from businesses that respect the human and environmental factors that go into creating those products, including everything from food and clothing, to construction materials for campus buildings.

To help foster the next generation of ethical business leaders, many of these schools have added sustainability and fair trade studies to their business and environmental studies programs. As these principles are in line with Buddha Teas’ responsible, eco-friendly ethos, we are excited to support students who choose to pursue these kinds of programs that seek to ensure an ethical and sustainable future.

The essay you submit should illustrate your passion for ethical and responsible commerce, and show us how you plan to make a difference in the world through your education and career goals.

Winner Selection Process

Essays will be judged by Buddha Teas staff. Finalist essays may be posted on the Buddha Teas website, as well as on social media to give the public an opportunity to vote. Social voting is not the sole basis of the final decision, but may influence the final result.

Essay Requirements

Your essay must be 500 to 750 words, and submitted via email, preferably as a Microsoft Word document, to: scholarshipsubmissions@buddhateas.com on or before July 31, and November 30 each year. In addition to the essay, your application must include:

• Your name, email address, and phone number in your email and at the top of each page
• Proof of school enrollment, and a copy of your most recent school transcripts.
• Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.8 to qualify for the scholarship.
• A copy of your resume or curriculum vitae. (Optional)

General Essay Advice

We are looking for students who can clearly demonstrate their passion and personal commitment to sustainability, fair trade, and responsible practices. Supporting sustainability and fair trade initiatives means encouraging businesses that respect the human and environmental factors that go into creating a consumer product, be it edible, wearable, or something else entirely. Don’t just tell us that you want to change the world; show us vibrant examples of what led you to care about environmental and humanitarian practices. Include details that describe who you are, and why you think we should choose you for this award.

While all applicants may have different goals and career aspirations, all will share a similar social consciousness and desire to ensure sustainable and ethical practices in business. Avoid rehashing your resume; paint a picture of what you think is unique about you, and how you plan to bring about positive change.