UCSD Muir College will award one $2,500 award to a undergraduate student who is passionate about helping underserved communities in the area of environmental justice. The award is for the 2024-2025 academic year and is available to all registered UC San Diego undergraduate students with at least junior standing and who plan to graduate during academic year 2024-2025. 

View full eligibility details and application instructions below.

Award Description

Many communities are disproportionately affected by environmental hazards and lack of access to the decision-making processes necessary to sustain a healthy community and planet. In order to promote environmental justice in underserved communities, we must not only reduce ecological harm but also ensure that environmental laws, regulations, and policies uplift the voices of all people regardless of race, income, or other forms of bias. This award is intended for a student who is committed to helping underserved populations mobilize, sustain, and protect their communities in the face of our current climate crisis.

Examples may include students who:

- Bridge various communities around initiatives and campaigns to reduce pollution and improve environmental health in underserved communities

- Teach sustainability in ways that are tailored to the needs of cultural groups (composting, recycling single-use plastic containers, etc.)

- Organize efforts for underserved communities to reclaim their land

- Facilitate access to public transit and alternative modes of transportation

- Create engaging opportunities for underserved communities to learn about the benefits of healthy foods, community gardens, and the environment

- Implement landscape designs, architectural designs, and community plans that include community gardens, pollution mitigation systems, and ways to reduce carbon emissions

Eligibility Requirements

A currently registered UCSD undergraduate student with good academic standing, upper division status, a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, who plans to graduate during the 2024-25 academic year, and who submits the following:

(1) Scholarship application form (which consists of short essay answers about your past experiences, proudest accomplishments, and future goals in environmental justice).

(2) One letter of recommendation from a UC San Diego faculty member that expands on your activism, projects or research. 

(3) Optional: Additional letter from a community member, staff, or faculty member familiar with your work.

(4) Resume, and links to articles/websites about your accomplishments.

Apply now: Online Application

Deadline: August 15, 2024

Questions? Email muirprov@ucsd.edu

Image: ENVR 102: Coastal Ecology (Spring 2022); Photo credit: Kellie Uyeda