2026-2027 EESI Future Climate Leaders Scholarship Program
In partnership with UNCF, the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) has developed the EESI Future Climate Leaders Scholarship Program to provide three (3) merit-based scholarships to support students who are preparing for a career related to environmental, energy, or climate issues. This scholarship opportunity is open to students who will be enrolled as a sophomore or junior in Fall 2026 at a HBCU in the Mid-Atlantic or Southern Region.
Eligibility Requirements
Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.
Be a U.S. citizen or U.S Lawful Permanent Resident
A sophomore or junior enrolled full-time at an HBCU in the Mid-Atlantic or Southern Region (Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia).
Preference will be granted to students who are pursuing a degree in a major related to environmental, energy, or climate issues (i.e. a declared major in biology, chemistry, ecology, engineering, environmental science, policy, history, physics, political science, sociology, etc.).
ALL previous recipients must reapply for the 2026-2027 academic year. Should previous recipients apply, preferences shall be given to students who receive the scholarship in their sophomore year and who meet FULL eligibility program criteria in their junior year.
**Students previously selected as juniors are not eligible to apply again.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online by the due date of October 1, 2026 at 5:00pm ET, and must include:
A current academic transcript.
A 500-word essay communicating an interest in environmental, energy, and climate policy issues consistent with EESI’s mission and vision.
A current resume.
One letter of recommendation from a non-family member
Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who have submitted completed applications will be notified of scholarship decisions approximately 10-12 weeks after the application due date.