Scholarships

Thomas A. Shearer Scholarship

This $2500 scholarship fund was established in 2009 by Thomas A. Shearer who graduated from UIS (then Sangamon State) with a BA in Environments and People. Because Mr. Shearer has a great concern for students working toward their bachelor’s degree, this scholarship is for a full or part time student with an Environmental Studies major, demonstrated financial need, and at least a 3.0 GPA.  If no such student is eligible, the next priority will be an Environmental Studies minor with a major in the College of Public Affairs and Administration.

Environmental Studies Alumni Award

Established in 1997 by alumni, faculty, and students, this $500 scholarship is available to a graduate student in Environmental Studies or Environmental Sciences who is enrolled in at least four credit hours. Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0.

Luther W. Skelton Endowment for Energy Policy and Energy Research

The Department of Environmental Studies (ENS) is pleased to offer Luther W. Skelton Endowment Award to assist qualified graduate students conducting graduate thesis/project research or undertaking a capstone closure internship that involves a research component.  In particular, the net income from the Endowment Fund shall be used to help defray expenses for ENS graduate students whose research focuses on energy policy and energy research.  If no graduate students meet the criteria above, graduate students whose research focus most closely relates to the spirit of this intent may be considered. In this case, we will consider research on any topic related to environmental policy and environmental science as fitting with spirit of this intent. In keeping with the original intent of this award, students completing a graduate thesis or project will have first priority over students completing a capstone internship. The maximum award amount is $500 per student per semester.  Applications are due on March 1 for awards made in the spring and November 1 for fall awards. 

The awards are open to application by any ENS graduate student who has received official approval for a proposed graduate thesis or project or has submitted an approved capstone internship plan.  Applications will be assessed based on the demonstrated significance of the project, originality, and plan for use of the funds. To apply, send an electronic application letter addressed to the ENS Awards Committee to ens@uis.edu that must include the following: (1) a brief discussion of the research and its significance; (2) a discussion of why the Award is necessary to the success of the thesis/project; and (3) an email from the research supervisor or capstone instructor indicating that the project or internship plan has been officially approved.

Mary and Nelson Howarth Scholarships

Nelson Howarth was a respected Springfield attorney and three-term mayor who was instrumental in convincing the Illinois General Assembly to establish our campus. Scholarships from this merit-based $4000 fund are renewable and are awarded annually to students in Environmental Studies or one of four other majors.