The Environmental Research & Education Foundation (EREF) is one of the largest sources of solid waste research funding in the U.S., allocating approximately $1 million annually in research grants and graduate level scholarships.

Thus far, over 50 students have been EREF scholars, many of whom are now in key academic and professional positions across the U.S. EREF is pleased to announce that scholarship applications for the 2017-2018 academic year are now available.

The application deadline is May 3, 2017 at 5:00 pm (eastern). Applications will be considered from those who:

• Will be this year or are now a full-time master’s or doctoral student.
• Have a clearly demonstrated interest in solid waste management research. EREF defines solid waste management to pertain to municipal solid waste, construction & demolition waste, industrial waste (e.g. coal ash), WTE ash, etc. Note: this definition does not include agricultural wastes or wastewater treatment plant sludge.

EREF Scholarships recognize graduate students pursuing excellence in solid waste management research and education. Recipients are chosen based on credentials and potential contributions to the solid waste industry and its scientific community. Awards are based on:

• Academic performance
• Professional experience
• Relevance of one’s work to the advancement of solid waste management science
• Potential for success

Award amounts consider the cost of tuition at the recipient’s institution and any other funds received. Full scholarships may not be awarded to students who will be receiving full-tuition scholarships from other sources (excluding direct university assistance such as tuition remission or assistantship income), but may still be considered for partial awards.

Doctoral scholarships are awarded up to $14,400 per year and paid monthly. Doctoral scholarships are renewable each year until graduation.

Master’s scholarships are awarded up to $6,000 per year and renewable each year until graduation. Scholarship renewal is dependent upon satisfactory progress as determined by the student’s academic advisor and funding availability.

All qualified candidates will be considered for scholarships without regard to race, religion, national or ethnic origin, citizenship, or disability. Applications from students outside the United States or studying abroad will receive equal consideration. Award decisions by the Environmental Research & Education Foundation and its directors are final and not subject to appeal.

Click here for more information.