Graduate Scholarships & Fellowships

The Warner College of Natural Resources is pleased to support our students with scholarships made possible through generous donations from private donors, including individuals, families, faculty, alumni, and corporations.

In the 2022-23 academic year, Warner College awarded more than 260 scholarships totaling over $720,000. These scholarships are available to current graduate, undergraduate and prospective students by completing the CSU Scholarship Application.

The CSU Scholarship application for the 2024-25 academic year is available on RAMweb, under Financial Information, October 1, 2023 at 11:00 p.m. (MST) and the deadline is March 1, 2024, at 11:00 p.m..

Go to RAMweb at ramweb.colostate.edu and log in using your eID. From there, you can select the CSU Scholarship Application. Complete the General Application, and be sure to review and complete any Recommended Opportunities for which you wish to apply. Some scholarships require essays, a letter of recommendation, and/or a resume. All of these documents must be submitted online by the application deadline for consideration. For further information and specific instructions, visit the CSUSA as soon as possible on or after October 1. Late documents and documents submitted by fax, U.S. mail, e-mail, or hand-delivery will NOT be accepted.

To be considered for need-based scholarships through the CSUSA, your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be submitted no later than February 15.

Graduate students must provide the following:

  • As part of the application, you will be asked to provide the name and email address of an individual who knows you well and will provide a letter of recommendation for you addressing your academic achievement, leadership abilities, personal attributes, and ability to contribute to the natural resources industry.
  • A curriculum vitae, assistantship documentation, and a short paragraph about how your degree will further your career upon graduation.

Questions? Check out this helpful FAQ document prepared by Student Financial Services: http://wsnet2.colostate.edu/cwis231/onet/Rosie/Store/Current/05/08/CSUSA_FAQs.pdf

*For Geosciences specific scholarships, choose ‘Geosciences (GEO)’ on drop down menu.

2023 Graduate Geosciences Scholarships and Fellowships

American Alpine Club Research Grants

Description of Grants:

The American Alpine Club (AAC) Research Grants have supported scientific endeavors in mountains and crags around the world. We fund projects that enrich our understanding of the ecosystems and landscapes that are a part of the climbing experience, contribute vital knowledge to the management of climbing environments, and improve the health and sustainability of the climbing community.

In the 2023 grant cycle, the AAC seeks research that will broaden knowledge in the following policy priority areas: combating climate change and protecting public lands. Successful candidates will demonstrate how their research directly addresses pertinent issues facing climbing landscapes and the climbing community.

Criteria of Scholarship:

Projects should focus on the social and economic influences on climbing, mountain environments and alpine pursuits.

Research that fits within one of the following focal areas will receive priority by the selection committee:

FOCAL AREA 1: CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change poses many threats to climbing landscapes and communities across the globe. Increased wildfire prevalence, warmer annual temperatures, shorter winter seasons, and drought are all symptoms of a warming climate and all pose a threat to climbing. The AAC is committed to addressing the threat of climate change and seeks research that quantifies the impacts of a changing climate on climbing landscapes and communities, and further outlines policy guidance for climate mitigation and/or adaptation. Research that explores how distinct climbing areas or communities, such as mountain towns or guide agencies (for example) will be impacted by a changing climate will receive additional priority.

FOCAL AREA 2: PUBLIC LAND MANAGEMENT

Containing 60% of our nations’ climbing areas, our public lands are key to the American climbing experience. However, threats to our public lands such as unchecked resource extraction, infrastructure development, and the erosion of fundamental environmental laws and policies are on the rise. Additionally, with climbing gyms across the country limiting access due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more climbers than ever are flocking to the outdoors. Increased participation rates in outdoor climbing, while generally a good thing, is leading to resource management challenges across the country. With the compounding stress placed on our public lands the AAC seeks research which provides guidance on correcting one of the major issues facing our public lands today. Research should draw from one or multiple case studies and provide policy or management level guidance on how to address the issue of concern.

In addition to these focal points, applications are considered in terms of their scientific or technical quality and merit:

  • Qualifications of the applicant

  • Strength of the research framework

  • Dissemination plans

  • Merit of the investigation

Entire proposal should not exceed 7 pages total and include:

  • 3-5 pages for the body of the proposal (including graphics, citations, and plans for disseminating results)

  • 2-page resume that includes academic degrees, and other pertinent biographical material

  • Budget overview

  • Grant amount requested ($500-$1,500)

Prior recipients of this grant must attach a copy of their final summary report to the AAC and copies of any resulting publications.

You will have the option to include attachments that will give the committee a better understanding of your proposal, but we ask that you keep them concise due to the number of proposals we receive.

Number of Grants Awarded:  1
Dollar Amount of Grants: $500 – $1,500. Award amounts will vary based on project and budget.

American Association of Geographers, Geomorphology Speciality Group: Reds Wolman Student Research Award

Description of Scholarship:

The GSG Awards Committee invites graduate students to participate in the GSG’s M. Gordon “Reds” Wolman Graduate Student Research Award competition. Each year, the GSG awards two graduate student research grants to help cover the costs of data acquisition, fieldwork, and laboratory analysis required to complete thesis or dissertation research.

Criteria of Award:

To be eligible for the award, students must be members of the AAG and the GSG. Award winners will be announced during the GSG Business Meeting at the 2023 AAG Annual Meeting, and publicized in the AAG Newsletter.

Number of Awards Awarded:  2
Dollar Amount of Award:  $600-$1000

American Association of Petroleum Geologists Grants in Aid 

Description of Grants:

The AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid provides financial assistance to graduate students (currently enrolled in Masters or Ph.D. programs) whose thesis research has application to the search for and development of petroleum and energy-mineral resources, and/or to related environmental geology issues. Grants are based on merit and, in part, on the financial needs of the applicant.

Criteria of Grants:

Graduate level students whose thesis research has application to the search for and development of petroleum and energy-mineral resources, and/or to related environmental geology issues, are eligible to apply for the Grants-in-Aid program.

Award recipients must be enrolled in a Masters or Ph.D. program or the equivalent. Four-year degrees or B.S. with honors are not eligible for grants. Students are eligible for a grant twice in their graduate studies(Masters and Ph.D. studies combined).

Non-U.S. Applicants: The AAPG Foundation must adhere to sanctions and regulations as set forth by the U.S. Department of Treasury. If you are unsure as to whether sanctions have been placed on your country of residence, please review the list of sanctioned countries to determine if you are eligible for a Grants-in-Aid award at this time.

Number of Grants Awarded:  Varies

Dollar Amount of Grants: $500-$3,000

American Geophysical Union Student Travel Grants

Description of Grants:

AGU Student Travel Grants provide funds to assist students with a combination of costs associated with attending the AGU23 Meeting.

Criteria of Grants:

Applicants must:

  • Be the first author and present a paper or poster at the AGU Meeting,
  • Be an AGU student member,
  • Be an enrolled high school student, two- or four-year undergraduate student, or graduate student at an accredited academic institution at the time of the AGU Meeting,
  • Show financial ability to attend the AGU Meeting in addition to Travel Grant funds, and
  • Have successfully submitted an abstract prior to filling out your travel grant application. You must include your abstract reference number on the application.

Number of Grants Awarded:  2

Dollar Amount of Grants: $500-$1,000

American Geographical Society Council Fellowship

Description of Fellowship:

The councilors of the American Geographical Society created the AGS Council Fellowship to support graduate student scholarship in pursuit of geographical knowledge, and especially fieldwork. The fellowship is open to all student members of the American Geographical Society, both Masters and Doctoral students. The AGS Council Fellowships Program considers all proposals concerned with any sub-field of geography. The program encourages but does not require a fieldwork component. We encourage fellowship recipients to publish their results in one of our journals.

Criteria of Fellowship:

To be considered, applicants must be current members of the American Geographical Society and enrolled in a graduate or doctoral program.

  • A cover page containing the project name, applicant’s name, position, affiliation, telephone number, postal address, and email address (500-word count).
  • A narrative that outlines the proposed research, specifies the reasons for doing the research by placing it in the context of published work and describes how results will be disseminated (1,500-word count)
  • A bibliography, containing only those items cited in the narrative (500-word count).
  • An abbreviated curriculum vitae emphasizing factors that illustrate the applicant’s competence/experience in the proposed area of research (1,000-word count).
  • A budget (maximum $1,500) itemizing expenses, with a brief justification for each expense category (500-word count).

Number of Fellowships Awarded:  3

Dollar Amount of Fellowship: $2,000

American Geosciences Institute Scholarship for Advancing Diversity in the Geoscience Profession

Description of Scholarship:

The scholarship is a one-time award paid upon confirmation of active enrollment in a geoscience graduate program.

Criteria of Scholarship:

The scholarship is open to geoscience students who self-identify as Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color and are within 2 semesters of completing their bachelor’s degree in a geoscience. Student must be US Citizen or permanent resident. The scholarship will be awarded to a qualified applicant based on merit for potential of applicant to succeed in a geosciences graduate program and go on to a career in the profession.

Number of Scholarships Awarded:  1

Dollar Amount of Scholarship: $5,000

American Geosciences Institute: Harriet Evelyn Wallace Scholarship for Women Geoscience Graduate Students

Description of Scholarship:

The Harriet Evelyn Wallace Scholarship is available to all women pursuing a Master’s or Doctoral degree during the 2023-24 academic year in the geosciences at an accredited U.S. institution of higher education in a recognized geoscience program.

Criteria of Scholarship:

Successful applicants will be thesis-based, full time students and due to the nature of the position, each applicant must either be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. If selected, the new Harriet Evelyn Wallace Scholar will be subject to verification of U.S. citizenship or residency status. Applicants must also be a member of at least one of AGI’s Member Societies.

Number of Scholarships Awarded:  1

Dollar Amount of Scholarship: Varies

American Water Resources Association Richard A. Herbert Memorial Scholarship

Description of Scholarship:

In 1980, AWRA established the Endowment-Memorial Fund to be used for the enhancement of education in water resources. The fund has since been renamed the Richard A. Herbert Memorial Educational Fund to honor Richard A. Herbert – a champion for water resources education – who passed away in 1994. In order to carry out his vision, AWRA is proud to announce the availability of scholarships derived from the proceeds of this fund.

Criteria of Scholarship:

Qualified applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Enrollment as a student in an undergraduate, Masters, or Ph.D. degree program at any accredited Colorado public or private college or university.
  2. Involvement in research or independent study pertaining to hydrology, engineering, hydrogeology, geomorphology, aquatic biology, water law, water-resources policy or planning, environmental science or other topics concerning water resources in Colorado.

Number of Scholarships Awarded:  1

Dollar Amount of Scholarship: $500-$4,000

Anchor QEA Scholarship Program

Description of Scholarship:

Anchor QEA’s Scholarship Program helps graduate students pay for higher education to assist them in taking on the world’s challenging environmental problems.

For more than 20 years, our scholarship program has focused on supporting graduate students in financial need who are entering fields aligned with Anchor QEA’s expertise and who are committed to giving back to their communities. Anchor QEA is committing half of all scholarship funds to Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) students as a step toward dismantling the financial barriers that contribute to inequities in STEM fields.

Criteria of Scholarship:

We’re looking to help graduate students who have:

  • An inclusive mindset and the belief that everyone’s unique perspective deserves to be heard
  • A commitment to giving back to their community and the environment
  • Full-time student status (current or soon-to-be) at a school in the United States
  • A demonstrated financial need
  • A passion for engineering, environmental sciences, planning and restoration, or a related technical field

Number of Scholarships Awarded:  Various

Dollar Amount of Scholarship: $1,000-$10,000

Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists: Marliave Scholarship

Description of Scholarship:

The Marliave Scholarship Fund honors the memory, work, and professional contributions of Elmer C. Marliave (1910-1967), a founding member of the Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists, Burton H. Marliave (1917-1991), a president of the Association, and their father, Chester E. Marliave (1885-1958), a pioneer engineering geologist. The scholarship awards are grants intended to support academic activity and reward outstanding scholarship in Engineering Geology and Geological Engineering. Recipients of grants will be designated as “Marliave Scholars.” Awards will be made by the AEG Foundation to outstanding students based on demonstrated ability, scholarship, potential for contributions to the profession, character, and activities in student/professional societies.

Criteria of Scholarship:

  1. AEG Member or Student Member
  2. Graduate student presently enrolled full-time in a college or university degree program in engineering geology or geological engineering.
  3. Nomination or sponsorship letter from a faculty member, an employer, or a geoscience professional with knowledge of the applicant’s qualifications. The sponsor/nominator should be a member of AEG and it is encouraged to have this individual be a Student Chapter Advisor or AEG Section Officer.
  4. Two letters of reference must be submitted online by persons in the profession who can evaluate the applicant’s qualifications to become a Marliave Scholar.
  5. Description of current and anticipated future involvement in the Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists.
  6. The goals statement must be original and must not be edited by a professor or others in the profession.

Number of Scholarships Awarded:  1

Dollar Amount of Scholarship: $2,000

Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists: Tilford Field Studies Scholarship

Description of Scholarship:

The Tilford Field Studies Scholarship Fund supports geologic field studies by students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Recipients of grants will be designated as “Tilford Scholars.” Awards will be made by the AEG Foundation to outstanding students based on demonstrated ability, scholarship, potential for contributions to the profession, character, and activities in student/professional societies.

Criteria of Scholarship:

  1. AEG Member or Student Member
  2. Graduate student who will use this scholarship toward field research

Number of Scholarships Awarded:  1

Dollar Amount of Scholarship: $1,500

Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists: Shlemon Quaternary Engineering Geology Scholarship

Description of Scholarship:

The Shlemon Quaternary Engineering Geology Scholarship Fund supports geologic studies by students at the graduate level. Recipients of grants must be graduate students enrolled in an accredited university and conducting field studies in Quaternary Engineering Geology.

Criteria of Scholarship:

  1. AEG Member or Student Member
  2. Graduate student who will use this scholarship toward field research

Number of Scholarships Awarded:  1

Dollar Amount of Scholarship: Varies

Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists: Susan Steele Weir Scholarship (Women of “Steele”)

Description of Scholarship:

The Susan Steele Weir “Women of Steele” Scholarship supports environmental and engineering geology studies for women students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Awards will be made by the AEG Foundation to outstanding women students based on demonstrated ability, scholarship, and potential for contributions to the profession, character, and activities in professional societies, particularly the AEG.

Grants from the Susan Steele Weir “Women of Steele” Fund are intended to recognize and support deserving women undergraduate or graduate environmental and engineering geology students who are Student Members of the Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists. Donor intent is that grants from the fund are to be applied only to tuition for the recipient.

Criteria of Scholarship:

Qualified applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. AEG Member or Student Member
  2. Woman graduate university student in environmental and engineering geology

Number of Scholarships Awarded:  1

Dollar Amount of Scholarship: $5,000

Association for Women Geoscientists Brunton Award and Brunton Field Project Award

Description of Award:

The AWG Brunton Award and Brunton Field Project Award promote the future of field mapping and data acquisition for the upcoming generation of people whose gender identity has been historically underrepresented in the geosciences. Applicants should have a passion for and exceptional experience with field work, including internships, field camp, coursework with a field-based research component, or research.

Criteria of Award:

Graduate students (any year) in the geosciences whose gender identity has been historically underrepresented in the geosciences are asked to apply.

  1. Applicants should have performed field work (Virtual field studies completed during the pandemic will be considered) as an essential component of undergraduate or graduate research, internship, field camp, or other type of field project,
  2. Have future plans to continue in the geosciences, with fieldwork as an integral part of their graduate degree or career; and
  3. Promote the fundamental value and need for field-based studies within the geoscience profession through project results, quality of work, and capabilities of the applicant.

Number of Scholarships Awarded:  1-2

Dollar Amount of Scholarship: $1,000

Association for Women Geoscientists Jeanne E. Harris Chrysalis Scholarship 

Description of Scholarship:

The Jeanne E. Harris Chrysalis Scholarship provides degree-completion funding for women geoscience graduate students whose education has been significantly interrupted by life circumstances. Awarded funds are intended to cover costs associated with completion of her thesis/dissertation, beyond what is traditionally covered by primary research funding. Costs may include drafting expenses, child-care, defense travel, late-stage research and analyses, or anything necessary to assist a candidate during those critical, final days.

Criteria of Scholarship:

A qualified applicant must be:

  1. A graduate student who has had an interruption in the academic progress of her current degree program due to life circumstances.
  2. Approaching the completion phase of her geoscience degree.
  3. Someone who has contributed to, and will continue to contribute to, both the geosciences and the larger world community through her academic and personal strengths.

Number of Scholarships Awarded:  1
Dollar Amount of Scholarship:  $2,000

Association for Women Geoscientists Winifred Goldring Award

Description of Award:

The Association for Women Geoscientists is pleased to announce the Winifred Goldring Award competition. The award, which consists of a cash prize and membership in the Paleontological Society and AWG for tenure of the awardee’s schooling, will be presented to an outstanding female student pursuing a career in paleontology. The award is named for Winifred Goldring, a pioneering woman paleontologist, who became State Paleontologist of New York State in 1939 and the first female president of the Paleontological Society in 1949. This award was made possible by the generous donations of David Watkins and Mary Anne Holmes. Applications are due April 30th of each year.

Criteria of Award:

  1. Applicants must be women pursuing education as graduate students in the paleontological – and affiliated – sciences at a degree-granting institution.
  2. Applicant must be enrolled as a student during the period of the award.
  3. Proof of student status in the form of transcripts (official or unofficial) must be provided.
  4. Successful applicants will exhibit exceptional motivation, professional potential, outreach, and long-term commitment to goals.
  5. Students may receive the Winifred Goldring Award only once during the tenure of their graduate school careers.
  6. No prior AWG or PS membership is required.
  7. National or international students are allowed to apply, with the exception of sanctioned countries.

Number of Awards Awarded:  3

Dollar Amount of Award: $2,000

Association for Women Geoscientists Laramide Chapter GEOID Scholarship

Description of Scholarship:

The Laramide Chapter GEOID scholarship awards a geoscience student identifying as (1) a woman (cisgender or transgender), gender fluid, and/or non-binary person and as (2) a member of a historically underrepresented minority in the geosciences. The intent is to provide the student with financial support and recognition that encourages them to continue their academic and professional development as a geoscientist, through research and networking with others in academia and industry.

Number of Scholarships Awarded:  1

Dollar Amount of Scholarship: $1,000

Association for Women Geoscientists Laramide Travel Grant

Description of Grant:

This project will provide two undergraduate or graduate students, who demonstrate financial need and are focusing on any spectrum of the geoscience disciplines, with a travel grant to assist them with travel to professional conferences or workshops. By providing travel grants to well-qualified students, the Laramide Chapter can boost their visibility in the field and help them gain valuable experience presenting their research and networking.

Number of Grants Awarded:  2

Dollar Amount of Grants: Varies

The Colorado Mountain Club Foundation Fellowship

Description of Fellowship:

The Foundation solicits applications from students enrolled in Colorado colleges and universities conducting research in the Rocky Mountains or this region or students outside Colorado whose research is focused on the Rocky Mountain region.

The top three outstanding applicants are awarded a named fellowship: either the Neal B. Kindig Fellowship, in honor of the late Dr. Kindig, a graduate of West Point and Stanford University and professor of electrical engineering at the University of Colorado, as well as an active member of The Colorado Mountain Club and The CMC Foundation; the Kurt Gerstle Fellowship, in honor of the late Dr. Gerstle, professor of engineering at the University of Colorado, a long-time member of CMC, and the founder of the Foundation’s Academic Fellowship program; or the Al Ossinger Fellowship, in honor of the late Dr. Ossinger, a graduate of Stanford University, a long-time member of CMC and the Foundation, and retired chair of the Academic Fellowship Committee.

Criteria of Fellowship: Grants are made to individuals only, for research under the direction of a faculty member of an institution of higher learning. Application must be sent by April 15th of each year. The faculty sponsor must submit a letter under separate cover in support of the student and the proposed research. Previous one-time winners of CMCF fellowships or grants are welcome to apply; however, those who have received CMCF support two previous years or more are ineligible.

Number of Fellowships Awarded:  Varies

Dollar Amount of Fellowship: $500-$2,000

Colorado Scientific Society Student Research Grants

Description of Grants:

The Colorado Scientific Society invites junior and senior undergraduates and graduate students in Master’s and Ph.D. programs at accredited colleges and universities to apply for research grants.

Criteria of Grants:

Applicants must be either a junior or senior undergraduate student or enrolled in a Masters or Ph.D. graduate program at an accredited college or university. Applications must be presented under the name of the student doing the research and may not be used for institutions or faculty members. Applicants need not be members of the Colorado Scientific Society.

Number of Grants Awarded:  12-15

Dollar Amount of Grants: $600-$1,000

CSU Graduate Student Council Travel Grant

Description of Grant:

The GSC Travel Grant can be used towards registration fees, airfare, lodging, food, ground transportation, or other necessities for conference attendance. You must show receipts for all reimbursement purchases. The grant may not be used for alcohol, or anything not strictly related to academic/research-related travel.

Criteria of Grant:

  1. Conference dates (preference for conferences set to occur within four months of the application deadline)
  2. Reason for conference attendance (presentation versus attending for professional development, for example)
  3. Conference location (international versus local, for example)
  4. The potential impact of the conference on the applicant’s professional development, graduate work, department/program/cohort
  5. The applicant’s involvement in Graduate Student Council and the greater Colorado State University community, and
  6. The applicant’s access to additional funding sources. There is no preference given for the type of degree or program of the applicant.

Number of Grants Awarded:  13
Dollar Amount of Grant:  $250-500

Evelyn I. Clark Graduate Scholarship

Description of Scholarship:

The Evelyn I. Clark Scholarship was established by her husband Francis Clark. Evelyn earned a BS in Natural Sciences in 1928. Evelyn was an ardent naturalist and conservationist. She was a contributor to the Nature Conservancy, Environmental Defense Fund, National Wildlife Association World Wildlife Fund, Natural Resources Defense Committee, National Audubon Society, and Fort Collins charities. She was very active in community services and had lived in Fort Collins since 1957.

Criteria of Scholarship:

The recipient of this scholarship must be a graduate student in the Department of Geosciences and must demonstrate financial need.

Number of Scholarships Awarded:  1
Dollar Amount of Scholarship:  $2,300

Evolving Earth Foundation Student Grant Program 

Description of Grant:

The Evolving Earth grant program provides grants to support student research in the earth sciences. Undergraduate students, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers at accredited U.S. colleges and universities or research institutions are eligible to apply for grant funding.

The emphasis will be on research topics that relate to the mission and priorities of the foundation. Please read our mission statement and review the grant award conditions to determine whether your research is applicable.

Criteria of Grant:

Your grant application must include:

  • Completed Grant Application Form
  • Proposal Description
  • Detailed Budget
  • Letter of Recommendation

Number of Grants Awarded:  10
Dollar Amount of Grant:  Up to $3,000 per grant

Explorer’s Club Discovery Expedition Grants

Description of Grants:

The Explorers Club is excited to announce a new grant program in partnership with Discovery, Inc. The Explorers Club Discovery Expeditions grants align with The Club’s mission to foster scientific understanding for the betterment of humanity and all life on Earth and beyond, including our commitment to mitigate climate change, prevent the extinction of species and cultures, and ensure the health of our lands, oceans and all that inhabit them. Further, we believe that the explorers fulfill a critical role as a storyteller.

Criteria of Grants:

The Explorers Club Expedition grants support to researchers and explorers from around the world, while also providing them with a platform to illuminate their findings—and without restrictions on scientific publication or infringement on ownership of research. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Applications will be evaluated on the basis of how the project or expedition aligns with the mission and ethics of The Explorers Club. Fieldwork will be evaluated on the scientific credibility, innovative approaches, and possible impact of the expedition, as well as on the relevant credentials of the team leader and team members. The proposed project will also be evaluated on its potential to inform and educate a global audience through inspirational storytelling.

Number of Grants Awarded:  Varies
Dollar Amount of Grants:  $25,000 to $40,000

Graduate Women in Science National Fellowship Program

Description of Fellowship:

The Graduate Women In Science (GWIS) National Fellowship Program promotes knowledge in the natural and social sciences and encourages women’s academic and professional careers in the sciences. Endowment funds, mostly generated from bequests, provide the annual income that supports scientific research conducted by GWIS fellowship winners. During the 2022-2023 funding cycle, we distributed $50,000 in research awards to seven outstanding women scientists and recognized eighteen graduate students and eight early-career honorable mentions. Since 2008, we have awarded nearly $750,000 in research awards.

The fellowships are known as the Sigma Delta Epsilon (SDE), Eloise Gerry, Ethel K. Allen, Vessa Notchev, Jean Langenheim, Monique Braude, Nell I. Mondy, Elizabeth Weisburger, and Hartley Corporation Fellowships. The highest scoring SDE Fellowship designee shall be recognized as the Adele Lewis Grant/SDE Fellowship Winner and the second-highest scoring designee shall be known as the Hartley Corporation/SDE Fellowship Winner. The funds available in any one year shall be the income from and contributions to the endowment accounts. The amount thus varies from year to year. The Fellowships Committee reserves the right to make no awards if no satisfactory applicants present themselves. The program is not bound by any estimates indicated in this description.

Criteria of Fellowship:

  • We strive to empower a community representative of all women in STEM, Life Science, and related Social Science fields. In support of our mission to cultivate a strong global community, GWIS seeks to recognize merit-based scholarship and sustained personal engagement with underrepresented communities.
  • Awards will be made to women who hold a degree from a recognized institution of higher learning, who demonstrate outstanding ability and promise in research and are performing hypothesis-driven research at any institution in the U.S. or abroad. Any person who identifies as a woman in science, irrespective of race, religion, nationality, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, or age is welcome to apply.
  • The career level (e.g. graduate student through assistant professor) of the candidate will be taken into consideration when reviewing the proposals.
  • GWIS membership is required by the application deadline (click here to join). Please note that membership approval can take up to 48 hours to process, so if you want to become a GWIS member, please do so in advance.
  • Financial need for research funding is a requirement for the application. Projects that have already been fully funded by another agency or organization will be ineligible. Applicants must indicate all pending sources on the application form, as reviewers will consider these factors when assessing the project’s financial need. If at any point, the applicant accepts another award prior to being notified of the GWIS Fellowship Program’s decision, the applicant should immediately notify the program at fellowships@gwis.org.

Number of Fellowship Awarded:  Varies
Dollar Amount of Fellowship: A maximum of $10,000 may be requested – any proposal requesting over $10,000 will be automatically disqualified.

Joby Adams Geosciences Graduate Scholarship

Description of Scholarship:

This scholarship was established by Joby Adams, alumnus of the Warner College of Natural Resources. Mr. Adams received his BS and MS in Geology from CSU and is President of CGRS Inc., a company providing effective solutions in mitigating environmental risk.

Criteria of Scholarship:

This scholarship is awarded to a graduate student majoring in Geosciences.

Number of Scholarships Awarded:  2
Dollar Amount of Scholarship:  $1,000

Leifur Eiríksson Foundation Fellowships

Description of Fellowship:

The Leifur Eiríksson Foundation funds scholars who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents from U.S. universities for graduate research or study at universities in Iceland, and scholars who are Icelandic citizens or permanent residents from universities in Iceland to conduct graduate research or study at universities in the United States. One fellowship per year (the Robert Kellogg Memorial Fellowship) is designated for a graduate student from Iceland to study at the University of Virginia, or a University of Virginia student to study in Iceland. Students interested in receiving this fellowship should apply through the regular application process.

A committee of experts, comprised of former Leifur Eiriksson scholars, evaluate scholarship applications and make a proposal to the Foundation´s Board of Trustees. Up to $25,000 in project costs, including travel to and from the research or study site will be paid on the scholar’s behalf.

Please note: Non-educational expenses may be taxable.

Travel costs are provided only for the scholar or fellow; no allowances are made for spouses, partners, or individuals who are not engaged in the scholarly endeavor.

Criteria of Fellowship:

Applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and/or physical disability. Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility requirements.

  • Admitted to a graduate program at an accredited institution of higher education in the United States or Iceland prior to receiving the first payment of the Fellowship
  • A well-defined research or scholarly project that necessitates an exchange to the host country
  • English language proficiency
  • An undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree must be completed by the start of the exchange

Number of Fellowships Awarded:  10
Dollar Amount of Fellowship:  Up to $25,000

Lewis and Clark Fund for Exploration and Field Research

Description of Grant:

The Lewis and Clark Fund encourages exploratory field studies for the collection of specimens and data and to provide the imaginative stimulus that accompanies direct observation.

Applications are invited from disciplines with a large dependence on field studies, such as archaeology, anthropology, biology, ecology, geography, geology, linguistics, paleontology, and population genetics, but grants will not be restricted to these fields.

Criteria of Grant:

Grants will be available to doctoral students. Postdoctoral fellows, master’s degree candidates, and undergraduates are not eligible. Applicants who have previously received a Lewis and Clark Fund grant may reapply after an interval of two years. Preference is given to applicants who have not yet been granted an award from the Fund.

Applicants should ask their academic advisor to write one of the two letters of recommendation, specifying the student’s qualifications to carry out the proposed work and the educational content of the trip. Budgets should be limited to travel and related expenses, including personal field equipment.

Proposals that are archival in nature or museum based will not normally be considered. The proposed work should be dissertation directed to the extent possible given the applicant’s year in the doctoral program.

The competition is open to U.S. citizens and residents wishing to carry out research anywhere in the world. Foreign applicants must either be based at a U.S. institution or plan to carry out their work in the United States.

When appropriate, the applicant should provide assurances that safety measures will be taken for potentially hazardous projects. When necessary, the applicant and his or her supervisor should discuss the field training that will be provided and the provisions for experienced supervision. Funding is contingent on successful applicants demonstrating that required permits and permissions have been secured.

Number of Grants Awarded:  Varies
Dollar Amount of Grant: Amounts will depend on travel costs but will ordinarily be in the range of several hundred dollars up to about $5,000.

Larry Kent Burns Memorial Scholarship

Description of Scholarship:

The Larry Kent Burns Memorial Scholarship was established in 1991 by the family and friends of Larry Burns in honor of his memory. Until his death in March of that year, Larry had a distinguished career as associate professor and, in April 1989, was awarded the Jack E. Cermak Outstanding Advisor Award for the College of Forestry and Natural Resources.

Criteria of Scholarship:

The recipient of this scholarship must 1) be a graduate student who is majoring in Geology; 2) have a grade point average of 3.0 or above; and 3) have outstanding qualities as an educator and a strong desire to teach.

Number of Scholarships Awarded:  1
Dollar Amount of Scholarship:  $1,000

Marie Morisawa Graduate Fellowship

Description of Fellowship:

The Marie Morisawa Award was established in 2006 to honor Dr. Marie Morisawa, one of the first women to maintain a high profile in Quaternary geology and geomorphology throughout her career. The purpose of the award is to support promising female M.S. and Ph.D. graduate students pursuing a career in geomorphology.  The Division granted the first Marie Morisawa Award in 2009.

Female scientists in geomorphology currently enrolled in a Masters or Ph.D. program are encouraged to apply. Evaluation of the proposals is done by the Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology management board and an ad-hoc review committee of Division members. These merit-based division awards are entirely separate from grants from the GSA Committee on Research Grants to support student research.

Criteria of Fellowship:

  • Eligibility is restricted to GSA members. How to Join GSA.
  • Applicants must be currently enrolled in a North American or Central American university or college in an earth science graduate degree program (with a geologic component).
    • Applicants do not need to be a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien.
  • The research focus can be any subject matter within the geological sciences, such as paleontology, karst, geochemistry, stratigraphy, geoscience education, petroleum geology, and more. (See the full list of Subject Matter Categories .)
  • Students may receive a total of two GSA graduate student grants in their entire academic career, regardless of what program currently enrolled in.

Number of Fellowships Awarded:  Varies
Dollar Amount of Fellowship:  Varies

Mineralogical Society of America’s Grant for Student Research in Mineralogy and Petrology

Description of Grant:

The Mineralogical Society of America’s Grants for Student Research In Mineralogy And Petrology are funded by an endowment created by contributions from the MSA membership. Students, including graduate and undergraduate students, are encouraged to apply. However, all proposals are considered together. The award selection will be based on the qualifications of the applicant, the quality, innovativeness, and scientific significance of the research, and the likelihood of success of the project.

The grant is for research-related expenses only. Travel to meetings, conferences, short courses, non-research fieldtrips, tuition, non-research living (room and board) expenses, overhead or indirect costs, etc. are not suitable uses of the money. Neither should the money be used for salary or wages for the researcher. Proposals that make such requests will not be considered further.

Criteria of Grant:

  • Is an MSA member,
  • Is more than one year from completing his or her degree,
  • Cannot submit proposals for both this and Crystallography grant in the same year, and
  • is not an MSA Councilor.

Number of Grants Awarded:  2
Dollar Amount of Grant:  $5,000

National Geographic Early Career Grant

Description of Grant:

We offer grant opportunities at various entry points to provide a dynamic pathway to join our community and engage with us.

Whether you are an aspiring Explorer or already a luminary in the field, each opportunity has unique criteria and benefits to ensure that our Explorers receive support and funding aligned to their specific needs and goals. Each year, a small number of grants are awarded to individuals who are just beginning their National Geographic journey, as well as those who are working on more advanced projects.

The National Geographic Society warmly welcomes and encourages applicants from historically and currently underrepresented and underserved populations to apply. National Geographic is committed to funding a diverse and globally representative cohort of Explorers. The National Geographic Society does not discriminate on the basis of race, religious creed, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, or disability.

Criteria of Grant:

  • You must be 18 or older to apply for a National Geographic Society grant.
  • Project start dates should be a minimum of six months after the submission deadline to ensure any awarded funds are received in time.
  • If you are working on a project outside your home country or community, you must include at least one local collaborator on your team who is significantly involved in the project.
  • You may submit a proposal as the project leader for only one project at a time.
  • You must submit a final report and media from any previous National Geographic Society grants for which you were the leader before applying to lead a new project.
  • The individual responsible for carrying out the project should write the application and be listed as the project leader.

Number of Grants Awarded:  Various
Dollar Amount of Grants:  $20,000-$100,000 based on grant type

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program

Description of Fellowship:

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) helps ensure the vitality of the human resource base of science and engineering in the United States and reinforces its diversity. The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees at accredited United States institutions.

As the oldest graduate fellowship of its kind, the GRFP has a long history of selecting recipients who achieve high levels of success in their future academic and professional careers. The reputation of the GRFP follows recipients and often helps them become life-long leaders that contribute significantly to both scientific innovation and teaching. Past fellows include numerous Nobel Prize winners, former U.S. Secretary of Energy, Steven Chu, Google founder, Sergey Brin and Freakonomics co-author, Steven Levitt.

NSF Fellows are anticipated to become knowledge experts who can contribute significantly to research, teaching, and innovations in science and engineering. These individuals are crucial to maintaining and advancing the nation’s technological infrastructure and national security as well as contributing to the economic well-being of society at large.

So that the nation can build fully upon the strength and creativity of a diverse society, the Foundation welcomes applications from all qualified individuals. Women, under-represented minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Criteria of Fellowship:

Fellowships may only be used for an eligible graduate degree program at an academic institution accredited in, and having a campus located in, the US, its territories, possessions, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

Number of Fellowships Awarded:  Varies
Dollar Amount of Fellowship: The five-year fellowship provides three years of financial support inclusive of an annual stipend of $37,000 along with a $16,000 cost of education allowance for tuition and fees (paid to the institution), as well as access to opportunities for professional development available to NSF-supported graduate students

P.E.O. Scholar Awards

Description of Award:

The P.E.O. Scholar Awards are one-time, competitive, merit-based awards intended to recognize and encourage academic excellence and achievement by women in doctoral-level programs. These awards provide partial support for study and research.

P.E.O. Scholars have demonstrated their ability to make significant contributions in their chosen field of study, having assumed leadership positions in university academics, scientific research, medicine, law, performing arts, international economics, history, literature, government and other demanding fields.

Criteria of Award:

A woman is eligible for nomination by a local chapter if  she:

  • Is a citizen or legal permanent resident of the U.S. or Canada at the time of her nomination
  • At a minimum, has a bachelor’s degree
  • Is within two years of her graduation date and has at least one full academic year of work remaining to complete her doctoral-level degree as measured from the time the first award payment is made (August 1). Those in a multiple-degree program (e.g.,pursuing both an M.D. and a Ph.D.) must be with in two years of completing the entire program from that date.
  • Is enrolled in her program at an accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university. Study abroad is permitted provided the student is enrolled in a U.S. or Canadian postsecondary institution.
  • Is enrolled part time at the time of nomination, provided she is enrolled full time during the year of the award

Number of Awards Awarded:  1

Dollar Amount of Award: $20,000

Robert L. Stollar Scholarship in Hydrogeology

Description of Scholarship:

This scholarship was established by Robert L. Stollar who received his masters degree in 1969. Following his graduation from Colorado State University he began working as a hydrogeologist for the Department of Water Resources, State of Maryland. In 1983, Mr. Stollar founded his own firm, R.L. Stollar & Associates. He built his firm up to about 60 employees before selling it in 1989. Mr. Stollar is currently semi-retired and does groundwater consulting. He established this scholarship for a student to carry out research in hydrogeology at the masters level.

Criteria of Scholarship:

The recipient of this scholarship shall 1) be pursuing research in hydrogeology at the Masters level; 2) be a motivated Geosciences major with financial needs.

Number of Scholarships Awarded:  1
Dollar Amount of Scholarship:  $2,200

Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists Foundation: Gary Babcock Memorial Scholarship

Description of Scholarship:

The RMAG Foundation welcomes applications in any field of geoscience. The scholarship was created in 2007 in memory of Gary Babcock who is remembered not only for his successful, 40-year career in petroleum exploration and development, but for his kind spirit, caring nature, and his positive influence on others in the geologic community.

Criteria of Scholarship:

The Gary Babcock Memorial Scholarship is for graduate students only and has no restrictions or requirements.

Number of Scholarships Awarded:  2
Dollar Amount of Scholarship:  Varies

Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists Foundation: Bolyard Family Scholarship

Description of Scholarship:

This scholarship was established by the Bolyards, longtime supporters of the RMAG Foundation and the geologic community. Dudley recently passed away and will be greatly missed. He served in major leadership positions with the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists and the RMAG Foundation. He is remembered for his passionate success in all his geologic endeavors and unbridled enthusiasm for geologic events.Marion has been a longtime leader in the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists Auxiliary, an organization which provides support for technical conferences, conventions, and various social events for the geologic community.

Criteria of Scholarship:

The Bolyard Family Scholarship has no restrictions or requirements. The RMAG Foundation welcomes applications in any field of geoscience, and rewards academic excellence and scientific achievement. The scholarship may be awarded to graduate students or to a rising senior at any four-year university or college that offers a degree in geology except for students attending the Colorado School of Mines or Colorado College which have their own dedicated scholarships.

Number of Scholarships Awarded:  1
Dollar Amount of Scholarship:  Varies

Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists Foundation: Robert M. Cluff Memorial Scholarship for Petrophysical and/or Reservoir Characterization Studies

Description of Scholarship:

This scholarship was established in memory of Robert (Bob) Cluff, a greatly admired geoscientist who founded a petrophysical consulting company, The Discovery Group, with his wife Sue. Bob was involved in numerous local and national professional societies, serving in leadership roles in the Denver community. He was a much beloved geologist who shared his technical knowledge with young professionals and students.

Criteria of Scholarship:

The Robert M. Cluff Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a graduate student enrolled at any accredited college or university who is incorporating petrophysical and/or reservoir characterization analyses to his/her research.

Number of Scholarships Awarded:  1
Dollar Amount of Scholarship:  Varies

Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists Foundation: Norman H. Foster Memorial Scholarship for Research in Applied Petroleum Geology 

Description of Scholarship:

The scholarship was created in memory of Norm Foster who was one of RMAG’s most prestigious members, a leader in the Denver geologic community, an outstanding and successful explorer, and a highly respected member of local and national organizations.

Criteria of Scholarship:

The Norman H. Foster Memorial scholarship is awarded to a graduate student at an accredited college or university who can demonstrate the ability and intent to utilize various exploration techniques to locate structural and/or stratigraphic accumulations of oil and gas.  Innovative research with the addition of fieldwork and/or subsurface data will be given special consideration.

Number of Scholarships Awarded:  1
Dollar Amount of Scholarship:  Varies

Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists Foundation: Michael S. Johnson Scholarship for Students Doing Research in CO, ND, MT, WY, NE and UT. 

Description of Scholarship:

This scholarship was established by a generous gift to the RMAG Foundation from Michael Johnson, a well-known and highly successful petroleum geologist in the Denver area. Michael has been active professionally throughout his long career in the Rocky Mountains and in international plays.

Criteria of Scholarship:

The Michael S. Johnson Scholarship is awarded to a graduate student at any accredited college or university who is pursuing petroleum-related research in one of the above-listed states.

Number of Scholarships Awarded:  1
Dollar Amount of Scholarship:  Varies

Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists Foundation Scholarship

Description of Scholarship:

The Trustees of the RMAG Foundation may elect to award this scholarship to an applicant demonstrating outstanding research abilities and achievement. The Trustees may not elect to award the Scholarship every year.

Criteria of Scholarship:

There are no restrictions on school affiliation or field of study as long as it is geoscience oriented.

Number of Scholarships Awarded:  1
Dollar Amount of Scholarship:  Varies

Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists Foundation: Stone-Hollber Scholarship for Structural Geology Research 

Description of Scholarship:

This scholarship was established with generous contributions by Donald Stone and John Hollberg, two Rocky Mountain structural geologists.  Don Stone spent sixty years in the oil and gas business, specializing in structural geology and seismic interpretation of the Rocky Mountain foreland province.  He is recognized for his detailed structural cross section restorations, especially when he teamed up with his colleague, John Hollberg, to digitize the Wyoming Transect. The Transect is a detailed structured cross section across the state of Wyoming, originally drawn at a scale of 1:24,000 (1 inch=2000 feet). Don donated a lifetime of career files to the Denver Earth Science Library which are available to the public.

Criteria of Scholarship:

The Stone-Hollberg Scholarship is awarded to a graduate student at any accredited college or university who is conducting structural geology or geophysics research in the Rocky Mountain region.

Number of Scholarships Awarded:  1
Dollar Amount of Scholarship:  Varies

Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists Foundation: Veterans’ Memorial Scholarship

Description of Scholarship:

This scholarship was created in memory of geologists who served in the Armed Forces and have sacrificed time and life to preserve freedom in our country.  It has been supported primarily by World War II veterans who are member of RMAG and their families.

Criteria of Scholarship:

The Veterans’ Memorials Scholarship is awarded to a graduate student at any accredited college or university who is a veteran or who is currently serving in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.  It seeks to reward excellence in geologic achievement and has few restrictions.  The Foundation welcomes applications in all earth science-related sub-disciplines.

Number of Scholarships Awarded:  1
Dollar Amount of Scholarship:  Varies

Roger and LuAnne Steininger Fellowship

Description of Scholarship:

Roger Steininger is a senior fellow of the Society of Economic Geologists, a certified professional geologist of the American Institute of Professional Geologists and a member of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration. He is also the recipient of the 2016 Honored Alumnus Award from the Warner College of Natural Resources. Roger and wife LuAnne established a scholarship for students who are passionate about geology and want to pursue a career in the industry.

Criteria of Scholarship:

The recipient of this scholarship shall be an outstanding graduate student majoring in Geosciences; and be in good academic standing. Preference shall be given to an economic geology graduate student.

Number of Scholarships Awarded:  1
Dollar Amount of Scholarship:  $5,000

Stanley A. Schumm Research Grant Award

Description of Grant:

Stanley A. Schumm was one of the foundational figures of fluvial geomorphology in the latter half of the 20th century. The conceptual models he developed for river process and form continue to influence how contemporary geomorphologists think about river systems. Schumm was also recognized as a supportive and effective mentor and the lives and careers of many students and colleagues were enriched by his influence. This award honors his intellectual contributions to the discipline and his qualities as a mentor.

This award was established in 2012 in honor of Stan Schumm and recognizes the contributions of graduate students in the field of fluvial geomorphology. The inaugural award was given in 2018.

Criteria of Grant:

Any research grant application that has “Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology” selected as the General Field of Research Project will be automatically eligible for consideration for our awards.

Number of Grants Awarded:  1
Dollar Amount of Grant:  Varies

Society for Sedimentary Geology Foundation Grant

Description of Grant:

The SEPM Foundation, Inc. was founded in 1983 by then SEPM President John Warme and others interested in providing SEPM, then a 501.c.6 business league through its corporate relationship with AAPG, a 501.c.3 receptacle for tax deductible charitable contributions. In 1984, $31,000 was transferred to the SEPM Foundation, Inc. from the SEPM Fund in the AAPG Foundation. In 1984 fundraising was initiated with solicitations to SEPM members.

In 1988, the Society reincorporated as a 501.c.3 educational, charitable and scientific organization, itself qualified to accept tax deductible charitable contributions. SEPM Council approves candidates for the Foundation Board of Directors.

The Foundation’s main focus has been on supporting student research at both the MSc and PhD levels. Today, the SEPM Foundation continues to serve current and future donors by providing support for SEPM programs and priorities that align with the donors’ philanthropic interests.

Number of Grants Awarded:  Varies
Dollar Amount of Grant: The award amounts are dependent on the number and quality of applications and on the investment income. For reference, the average grant in 2022 was $1103.

Sigma Xi Grants in Aid of Research

Description of Grant:

Since 1922, Sigma Xi has extended the hand of companionship to more than 30,000 young researchers through the Grants in Aid of Research (GIAR) Program. Sigma Xi grants are often the first research support an undergraduate or graduate student may receive.

Criteria of Grant:

  1. US Citizenship and residence not required. International applications are welcome.
  2. Only undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in degree seeking programs may apply.
  3. Undergraduates who are graduating seniors must plan to complete their research prior to graduation.
  4. While membership in Sigma Xi is not a requirement for application, designated funds are available to members or whose primary advisors are members.
  5. Applicants seeking a second Grant in Aid of Research must submit a Follow-up Report Form prior to the application deadline for a new grant.
  6. Applicants are eligible to receive a total of two Grants in Aid of Research
  7. Separate applications are accepted from co-workers on the same project. Each applicant must demonstrate how the applicant’s work is a unique contribution to the larger project. Where possible, each co-worker’s application should request funding for expenses related to that applicant’s work only.

Number of Grants Awarded:  Varies
Dollar Amount of Grant:  $500-5,000

University of Wyoming National Parks Service Small Grant Program

Description of Grants:

We love to see proposals that address Grand Teton National Park research priorities and Yellowstone National Park research priorities, but that is not a requirement for funding. We strive to fund the best science, so if you have a great idea and well written proposal, send it our way! We encourage you to check out research by previous grant winners in our project reports.

Number of Grants Awarded:  ~12
Dollar Amount of Grants:  $4,000 – $10,000

Ware Geosciences Fellowship

Criteria of Scholarship:

The recipient(s) of the fellowship shall: 1) be a graduate student who has completed one year in the graduate program and is enrolled in the Department of Geosciences in WCNR; 2) demonstrate financial need as established by the Office of Student Financial Services of CSU; 3) provide the selection committee with a concise summary of their thesis/dissertation research plan and goals, including “intent to publish/disseminate” goals (the summaries shall be made available to the Donor); and 4) maintain an overall 3.25 GPA in graduate school.

Number of Scholarships Awarded:  1
Dollar Amount of Scholarship:  $4,800

Featured External Scholarships: Click here for some great scholarships offered by organizations outside of CSU that are specifically targeted to natural resources students.

For additional information about financial aid at Colorado State University, visit the CSU Office of Financial Aid website.