Scholarships
RESF expects to award eighteen or more scholarships in 2025 based upon academic merit, accomplishments in the field, and demonstrated interest.
Three individual scholarships are reserved for a community college student, an undergraduate student, and an early graduate student, respectively. Two scholarships have a preference for Native American or Alaskan Native students and are not restricted to our "home" area. The remaining scholarships are available to students at any level.
Each scholarship is a cash award of $3000, $5000 or $7000 with no strings attached. Qualifications and submission requirements are below. We award scholarships on an equal opportunity basis, consistent with the restrictions above. Note that all students submit the same application, we decide who gets which scholarship.
Eligibility and Criteria
Applicants must be undergraduate or graduate students studying and preparing for careers in support of renewable energy and the decarbonization of our energy systems. There are no constraints on fields of study which can include science, engineering, law, business, public policy, social sciences, etc.
Areas of study and focus include:
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all forms of renewable energy
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grid evolution, modernization, energy storage, and flexibility
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energy efficiency
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electrification to replace fossil fuels
Students are eligible for the scholarship if they are studying:
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at any college or university in our "home" area: Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, or Alaska
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at any college or university, and are from our home area
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at any college or university and they are Native American or Alaskan Native
Criteria considered by the Selection Committee (not necessarily in order of importance) include academic performance, contributions to research, publications and presentations, demonstrated experience with and/or knowledge of field of study, essay content and writing quality, commitment to the field including inspiring, supporting and educating others, and service.
Students who have won Honorable Mentions are strongly encouraged to apply again. Students who won scholarships while at community college may apply again if they transfer to a four-year institution; students who won as undergraduates are eligible to apply as graduate students. However, in general, applications will not be considered from a student who has already received a scholarship at that same level.
Submission Requirements
Pursuant to these requirements, applicants must submit:
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This Data Sheet
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A letter (not to exceed 3 pages) detailing your interests, academic pursuits, and career goals directed towards the field of renewable energy.
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Resume
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Academic transcripts (unofficial OK)
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Two letters of recommendation, sent directly from the writer.
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If you would like to be considered for the Morris or BNSF Scholarships for Native Americans or Alaskan Natives, please indicate your tribal affiliation.
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If you would like to be considered for one of our limited number of Promoting Diversity Scholarships (which are open to all), please include an extra page touching on some of the following:
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Tell us a bit about your background. What challenges and barriers to pursuing your education or to pursuing a career in renewable energy have you experienced or observed for others?
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How have you worked to overcome such barriers?
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How have you aided others in a way that creates opportunities for them?
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How have you fostered an inclusive environment?
Applicants may also include information about any awards, internships or other distinctions which demonstrate accomplishments in renewable energy.
DEADLINE for the application is January 31. We hope to have awards announced by April 15.
Application materials and letters sent by email are easier to forward to our selection committee, please use this address.
Named Scholarships
Sir Fraser Stoddart Scholarship
One student will receive a scholarship originally donated by Sir Fraser Stoddart, Professor at Northwestern University and 2016 winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, and now funded by RESF. Learn more about Sir Fraser Stoddart.
Hon. Jeff Morris Scholarship
Potential recipients must be enrolled members of US recognized Native American or Alaskan Native Tribes. Among equal candidates, preference will be given to Alaskan Natives and Washington State tribal members. See "About" page to learn more about Jeff.
Daimler Trucks North America Scholarship
One student will receive a scholarship donated by the Daimler Trucks North America. Click on the logo to learn more about them!
Stoel Rives LLP Scholarship
One student will receive a scholarship donated by Stoel Rives of Portland. Click on the logo to learn more about them!
Linda Nettekoven Scholarship
This scholarship is available to a graduate student who wishes to engage communities in highly effective, collaborative and innovative approaches to public involvement focused on increasing the use of renewable energy. Learn more about Linda Nettekoven.
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Cascade Energy Scholarship
One student will receive a scholarship sponsored by Cascade Energy. Click on the logo above to learn more about them. A successful candidate will be a member of an underrepresented or historically marginalized group (including but not limited to LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, and BIPOC) or have demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and/or leadership in working with underrepresented groups, through school, employment, community service, or other involvement.
Clean Edge Scholarship
One student pursuing a career in clean energy will receive a scholarship sponsored by Clean Edge, Inc.
Click on the logo above to learn more about them.
BNFS Railway Scholarships
BNSF Railway is sponsoring two scholarships, including one for a Native American.
Click on the logo above to learn more about BNSF.
Schneider Electric Foundation Scholarships
One student will receive a scholarship donated by the Schneider Electric Foundation. Click on the logo above to learn more about them. Successful candidates will be members of underrepresented or historically marginalized groups or have demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and/or leadership in working with underrepresented groups, through school, employment, community service, or other involvement.
William Kamkwamba Scholarship
William was a13-year-old boy in Malawi when he figured out how to build a wind turbine from materials readily available in his remote village, as told in the book and movie "The Boy who Harnessed the Wind." He graduated from Dartmouth College in 2014 and is the co-founder of Moving Windmills, "inspiring innovative solutions to African problems. A space where innovators from across the globe can come and collaborate together." Scholarship provided by anonymous donor.
Eunice Newton Foote Scholarship
Eunice Newton Foote was the first person ever to demonstrate that carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas. Not a professional scientist, she did experiments in her house in the mid 1800’s. Here's a nice article about her. Scholarship provided by anonymous donor.
Maxine Holland Hines Scholarship
Supporting innovative students working towards a better world.
