The Nelson Institute Community Environmental Scholars Program (CESP) is designed for students who want to link their passion for the environment with a commitment to the community. Community Environmental Scholars take a 1-credit seminar for three semesters that introduces them to local community-based environmental organizations, provides them with professional training, and gives them a place to discuss the links between environmental studies and community service.

CESP is now accepting applications for Fall 2020! CESP is both an academic program and a scholarship program. Program applicants are automatically considered for substantial scholarships (see eligibility criteria below).

Who can apply? Sophomores and juniors who plan to complete an undergraduate program (certificate or major) in Environmental Studies.

Who can receive a scholarship? Students with unmet financial need who want to link community and environment. Two sources of funding are available. The WI-CESP scholarship funds students in all majors, while the CESP Scholarship in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (CESP S-STEM), supported by the National Science Foundation (Award No. 1643946), funds US citizens or permanent residents who are STEM (science, technology, engineering, or math) majors.

How much can I receive? Up to $4,550 for the WI-CESP scholarship and up to $10,000 for the CESP S-STEM annually, based on unmet financial need.

How can I apply? Apply through the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (https://wisc.academicworks.com/) for both the program and the scholarship. You will need to complete the General Application before you can access the CESP application. The CESP application is named “Community Environmental Scholars Program application”. If you cannot find it in your “Recommended Opportunities”, go to “Ours” under the “Opportunities” tab and search for it there.

What’s the deadline? To begin CESP in the fall, apply NOW. The application deadline is Wednesday, March 25.

When will I hear back regarding my CESP application? Application reviews will begin on March 26 and should be completed by April 6, or until all available slots in CESP have been filled.

Questions? Email Rob Beattie (rbeattie@wisc.edu)

Want to find out more about CESP from students and staff?

Check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiZvu9v6K_g

Read this news story: http://nelson.wisc.edu/news/story.php?story=2335

Visit the CESP website at: http://nelson.wisc.edu/undergraduate/cesp/index.php

If you experience a problem with the application itself, email Tara Mohan (temohan@wisc.edu).

Be a catalyst for change. Apply to CESP today!

This article was posted in Finances & Scholarships.