Details and how to apply for each scholarship are listed below.
Financial Aid Application
To help facilitate broad participation in our Annual Conference and Research Symposium, NAAEE offers reduced rates to support those who are unable to attend the event without financial assistance. Our goal is to bring together a wide range of voices and perspectives, enriching our community and the event experience.
Who can apply?
Anyone interested in attending for whom regular rates pose a hardship, both North American and international.
- Applicants must be able to attend the November 2024 Research Symposium and/or Conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- If called on, recipients must be willing to volunteer for one two-hour shift during the conference, assisting with such tasks as working at the registration or information desk, acting as a room monitor, or assisting with special events.
What does the financial aid provide?
- Financial aid recipients receive a 35% discount on full registration for the Annual Conference and/or Research Symposium. This cannot be combined with other discounts, such as student or retired rates.
How will recipients receive financial aid?
- The applications received to date will be reviewed on August 30 and October 24. We will notify applicants of the results within one week after each date.
Please note: Recipients will be asked to write a 250–500 word blog post about their experiences at the Research Symposium and/or Conference on eePRO.
William B. Stapp Student Scholarship
Deadline: August 7
The William B. Stapp Student Scholarship Fund was established in 2001 to help students attend NAAEE's Annual Conference and Research Symposium. The scholarship honors Dr. Bill Stapp (1930–2001), one of the founders of the field of environmental education. Bill was a leader and strong supporter of NAAEE and introduced many of his students to both the association and the annual conference. This scholarship is made possible through generous donations by NAAEE members.
Who can apply?
North American and international undergraduate or graduate students are welcome to apply.
- Applicants must be enrolled at least half-time at the time of the application and during the November conference.
- Applicants must be able to attend the November 2024 Research Symposium and/or Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Note: These scholarships do not cover travel or lodging.
- If called on, recipients must be willing to volunteer for one two-hour shift during the conference, assisting with such tasks as working at the registration or information desk, acting as a room monitor, or assisting with special events.
In addition to this application, submit the following supplemental materials:
- A review of your academic record (i.e., an unofficial transcript). Due to the large file sizes associated with scanned transcripts, please compress your file before sending.
- Proof of current enrollment, such as a current schedule of classes. (Note: If your transcript includes proof of current enrollment, no additional documentation is required.)
- A one-page letter of recommendation from your advisor or a faculty member confirming that you are pursuing a career in environmental education, communication, interpretation, environmental studies, or related fields.
How will the selection be made?
The strongest candidates will demonstrate:
- Strong interest in environmental education
- Strong academic qualifications
- Commitment to advancing equity and inclusion in environmental education
Special consideration will be given to candidates who:
- Have submitted a proposal for the Annual Conference or Research Symposium
- Are first-time conference attendees
- Demonstrate that they have funds for travel and will attend the Research Symposium and/or Annual Conference
What does the scholarship provide?
- One full Conference and/or Research Symposium student registration
Please note:
- Scholarship awardees will be asked to write a 250–500-word blog post about their experiences at the Research Symposium and/or Conference on eePRO.
- Registration includes access to plenary sessions, concurrent sessions, exhibits, and meal functions.
- Scholarship recipients are responsible for their travel to the Research Symposium/Conference, lodging, meals outside of event functions, and any costs associated with field trips, workshops, guest tickets, and merchandise purchases.
- We cannot consider incomplete applications; please check that you submit all materials listed on the application by the deadline.
Deadline: August 7
Young Professionals Scholarship
Deadline: August 7
NAAEE and the U.S. Forest Service share a goal of increasing representation from new constituencies within the field of environmental education. With funding from the U.S. Forest Service, the Young Professionals Scholarship supports conference participation for early-career professionals seeking to launch their careers in the field of EE or to become more established educators and future leaders who are committed to advancing equity and inclusion in EE.
Who can apply?
Early career environmental education professionals from across North America.
- Applicants must be able to attend the November 2024 conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The strongest candidates will demonstrate:
- Strong interest in environmental education
- Commitment to advancing equity and inclusion in environmental education
Special consideration will be given to candidates who are first-time scholarship recipients.
What does the scholarship provide?
- One full conference registration
- 3 nights of lodging at the conference hotel (with the option of sharing a room to increase the funding awarded for travel)
- Transportation stipend (full cost not guaranteed)
Please note:
- Scholarship awardees will be asked to write a 250–500 word blog post about their experiences at the conference on eePRO.
- Registration includes access to plenary sessions, concurrent sessions, exhibits, and meal functions.
- Scholarship recipients are responsible for any costs associated with field trips, workshops, guest tickets, and merchandise purchases.
- We cannot consider incomplete applications; please check that you submit all materials listed on the application by the deadline.
Deadline: August 7
Rising Leader Scholarship
Deadline: August 7
The Rising Leader Scholarship recognizes one or two environmental educators who are attending their second or third NAAEE conference. This scholarship was made possible by a very generous donation from a long-time NAAEE member and supporter who has been active in the field for many years. The intent of the scholarship is to pass on the early-career support and encouragement that has enabled many individuals to get involved at the national level.
Who can apply?
Professional environmental educators based in the United States who have attended at least one and no more than two prior NAAEE annual conferences.
- Applicants must be able to attend the November 2024 Research Symposium and/or Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- Applicants must be employed with a nonprofit organization; local, state, or federal government agency; or preK–12 school.
In addition to this application, submit the following supplemental materials:
- Two letters of recommendation from professional contacts (such as employers, former professors, Affiliate staff or board members, Project Learning Tree/WILD/WET coordinators, etc.) who can speak to your leadership potential and commitment to the field of environmental education. 1 page maximum per letter.
How will the selection be made?
The strongest candidates will demonstrate:
- Commitment to the work of NAAEE
- Commitment to state/provincial or local environmental education efforts
- Evidence of current leadership or interest in being a future leader in the field of environmental education
- Financial need
- Special consideration will be given to candidates who are active with their NAAEE Affiliate
What does the scholarship provide?
- $1,000 to be used toward conference registration and travel expenses
How many scholarships will be awarded?
- 2 Rising Leader Scholarships will be awarded
Please note:
- Scholarship recipients are responsible for their registration fees, travel to the conference, lodging, meals outside of conference functions, and any costs associated with field trips, workshops, guest tickets, and merchandise purchases beyond the scholarship award.
- Scholarship recipients will be asked to write a 250–500-word blog post about their experiences at the Conference on eePRO.
- Conference registration includes access to plenary sessions, concurrent sessions, exhibits, and meal functions.
- We cannot consider incomplete applications; please check that you submit all materials listed on the application by the deadline.
Deadline: August 7
Pennsylvania Academic Scholarship
Deadline: August 7
Each year, NAAEE recognizes one or two students in our host state/territory/province who have demonstrated academic excellence and leadership potential in environmental education.
Who can apply?
Undergraduate students or graduate students attending a college or university in Pennsylvania.
- Applicants must be enrolled at least half-time as a junior or senior (3rd or 4th year) undergraduate or graduate student at the time of the conference in November 2024.
- Applicants must be preparing for a career in formal or nonformal environmental education through coursework, volunteer experiences, and/or paid work.
- Applicants must be able to attend the November 2024 Research Symposium and/or Annual Conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
In addition to the application, submit the following supplemental materials:
- A review of your academic record (i.e., an unofficial transcript). Due to the large file sizes associated with scanned transcripts, please compress your file before sending.
- Proof of current enrollment such as a current schedule of classes. (Note: If your transcript includes proof of current enrollment, no additional documentation is required.)
- A letter of recommendation from your advisor or a faculty member confirming that you are pursuing a career in environmental education, communication, interpretation, environmental studies, or related fields. The letter should describe your potential for excellence in the field of environmental education and comment on the skills and attributes you bring to the classroom, volunteer efforts, and work situations.
How will the selection be made?
The strongest candidates will demonstrate:
- Understanding of and commitment to environmental education
- Strong academic qualifications
- Experience in environmental education
- Potential for excellence, leadership, and future contributions to the field of environmental education
- Commitment to advancing equity and inclusion in environmental education
What does the scholarship provide?
- One full Conference and/or Research Symposium student registration
- One-year student membership in NAAEE
- $500 to assist with conference costs
How many scholarships will be awarded?
- 2 Pennsylvania Academic Scholarships will be awarded
Please note:
- Scholarship awardees will be asked to write a 250–500-word blog post about their experiences at the Conference on eePRO.
- Registration includes access to plenary sessions, concurrent sessions, exhibits, and meal functions.
- Scholarship recipients are responsible for their travel to the Research Symposium/Conference, lodging, meals outside of event functions, and any costs associated with field trips, workshops, guest tickets, and merchandise purchases.
- We cannot consider incomplete applications; please check that you submit all materials listed on the application by the deadline.
Deadline: August 7