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).  

Read and follow the instructions carefully prior to submitting your application. All eligible recipients will be notified on the first Monday in April. 

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.

The Scholarship Selection Committee will be appointed by the Board of Directors of MCCESF.

The Scholarship Selection Committee will meet on an as needed basis and shall have the sole authority to select award recipients. Neither the Board of Directors of MCCESF nor the Scholarship Selection Committee are required to award any scholarships if applications are found insufficient or for any other reason. 

The MCCESF was created in 1994 to help businesses and organizations throughout Minnesota undertake new waste prevention and recycling programs, aptly named Waste Wise. In 2008, the MCCESF created partner program Energy Smart with the purpose of helping businesses save energy through conservation, efficiency and cost-saving strategies. For the past 30 years, the MCCESF has helped thousands of organizations throughout Minnesota minimize their impact on the environment and achieve cost savings through waste reduction, recycling, reuse, energy efficiency and other sustainability initiatives.  

Any and all proceeds directed by Minnesota Waste Wise Foundation are restricted to the sole and intended purpose of managing and implementing Waste Wise and Energy Smart, two programs of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.