EPA’s STAR Fellowship Competition Underway — GRO Soon to Begin

College and University students in environmental fields are invited to apply for funding through the EPA. Photo: © Laurence Gough - Fotolia.com

Are you a US undergrad or grad student engaged in environmental studies? Here’s your chance to earn an EPA Fellowship in either the STAR or GRO programs. The graduate STAR competition is underway now, and the Greater Research Opportunities (GRO) competition to support college and university juniors and seniors begins September 3.

STAR Fellowships

The STAR program is designed to “help defray the ever-increasing costs associated with studies leading to advanced degrees in environmental sciences.”

But it’s not just a matter of asking; it’s highly competitive. Applicants undergo “a rigorous review process.” Master’s and doctoral degree options include “traditionally recognized environmental disciplines as well as other fields such as social anthropology, urban and regional planning, and decision sciences.”

Grad students can earn up to $37,000 each year of the fellowship, with $12,000 of that going to yearly tuition and fees. Fellows also receive an expense allowance of $5,000 each year they’re in the program. The amount of the stipend varies, however, based on factors such as actual school costs and how long you need support.

Begun in 1995, the EPA program has supported some 1,500 STAR fellows through awards to students “in every state and most territories. Fellowships have helped educate new academic researchers, government scientists, science teachers, and, environmental engineers.”

If you’re applying as a Master’s level candidate, your maximum fellowship is two years. If you’re applying as a doctoral candidate, you can be supported for three years, with a possible extension for a fourth year, if approved.

Opening Date: August 19, 2009
Closing Date: October 22, 2009

GRO Undergraduate Scholarships

Undergrads are invited to apply for GRO support for study in environmental sicence and related fields.

“Eligible students will receive support for their junior and senior years of undergraduate study and for an internship at an EPA facility during the summer between their junior and senior years. The fellowship provides up to $17,000 per year of academic support and up to $7,500 of internship support for the three-month summer period.”

Opening Date: September 3, 2009
Closing Date: December 11, 2009

Other Funding Opportunities for Students

Additional Fellowship opportunities posted on the EPA website include:

American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science and Engineering Fellows Program

Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH) Fellows Program

EPA Marshall Scholarship Program (in collaboration with the UK’s Marshall Aid Commemoration Commission)

Julia Wasson
Blue Planet Green Living (Home Page)