Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Environmental Sustainability Foundation Scholarship

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Environmental Sustainability Foundation (MCCESF) recognizes that a strong, responsible and sustainable future requires a knowledgeable workforce. This scholarship is designed to assist students interested in a career in environmental and/or sustainability fields.

Up to two recipients will be awarded a scholarship (up to $5,000 each) per academic year. One rising junior will be accepted per year with the opportunity to receive the scholarship again in their senior year (up to $10,000 over a 2-year period).  

To be eligible, students must:

• Be currently enrolled in a degree program in environmental studies, natural sciences or other related areas of study
• Be a rising junior, meaning starting junior year in the fall of 2025
• Attend a school located in Minnesota or be a Minnesota resident
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen  
• Not be related to any of the directors, officers or selection committee members of MCCESF

Scholarship recipients are eligible for a second-year award if they meet the following criteria:

• GPA requirement: Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher throughout the first awarded year.
• Transcript submission: Submit an official transcript by September 1st of the following year to verify GPA.

Recipients will receive an email reminder in mid-August with instructions for submitting transcripts. If both requirements are met, the second-year scholarship will be awarded automatically.

Applicants must complete the following:

• Complete the scholarship application (online here) and submit it by February 28, 2025
• Provide all required documents, including:
  • A signed letter of recommendation from a non-relative who has a science/natural science background and is familiar with your goals and aptitude
  • A 300-500-word typed essay describing a personal experience that inspired their interest in environmental sustainability and how it shaped their career aspirations
  • A resume  
  • An unofficial transcript

Applicants may be contacted by the Scholarship Selection Committee to conduct an in-person or remote interview before any award decision is made.

The award is provided in the fall semester of each academic year. Past recipients are eligible to re-apply for an additional school year. The scholarship will be paid to the applicant’s school once a tuition bill is presented to MCCESF.