EREF announces graduate scholarships available

The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF), Raleigh, North Carolina, has announced graduate scholarship applications for the 2017-2018 academic year are available. The application deadline is May 3, 2017 at 5 p.m. EST.

EREF says it is one of the largest sources of solid waste research funding in the U.S., allocating approximately $1 million annually in research grants and graduate level scholarships. 

More than 50 students have earned the recognition as EREF scholars, many of whom are now in key academic and professional positions across the U.S.

Applications will be considered from those who:

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  • will be this year or are now a full-time master’s or doctoral student; and
  • have a clearly demonstrated interest in solid waste management research. 

EREF defines solid waste management to pertain to municipal solid waste, construction and demolition waste, industrial waste (e.g., coal ash), waste-to-energy ash, etc. This definition does not include agricultural wastes or wastewater treatment plant sludge, EREF says.

EREF scholarships recognize graduate students pursuing excellence in solid waste management research and education. Recipients are chosen based on credentials and potential contributions to the solid waste industry and its scientific community. 

Awards are based on:

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  • academic performance;
  • professional experience;
  • relevance of one’s work to the advancement of solid waste management science; and
  • potential for success.
  

Award amounts consider the cost of tuition at the recipient’s institution and any other funds received. Full scholarships may not be awarded to students who will be receiving full-tuition scholarships from other sources, excluding direct university assistance such as tuition remission or assistantship income, but may still be considered for partial awards. 

Doctoral scholarships are awarded up to $14,400 per year and paid monthly. Doctoral scholarships are renewable each year until graduation. Master’s scholarships are awarded up to $6,000 per year and renewable each year until graduation. Scholarship renewal is dependent upon satisfactory progress as determined by the student’s academic advisor and funding availability. 

All qualified candidates will be considered for scholarships without regard to race, religion, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, or disability. Applications from students outside the United States or studying abroad will receive equal consideration. Award decisions by the EREF and its directors are final and not subject to appeal.

More information on EREF’s scholarships, as well as a link to the scholarship application, can be found here.