Sustainability Scholarship for Rising College Seniors

The annual GBES scholarship recognizes college students who are passionate about environmental stewardship and committed to building a more sustainable world. If you are eager to help create a greener, healthier future, we encourage you to apply.

1. Application Period

Application period: August 10, 2026 – November 20, 2026.

2. Eligibility

• The applicant must be a full-time student enrolled in an accredited college or university, in their junior year, and pursuing a degree related to sustainability.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 for all applicants.
• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents with proof of residency or citizenship.

3. Scholarship Amount

$2,500 will be awarded.

4. Number of Awards

One award will be issued.

5. Application Process

About the Applicant

We are seeking applicants who are passionate about environmental stewardship and committed to building a more sustainable world. Ideal candidates will demonstrate their dedication to sustainability through relevant projects, organizations, academic work, community involvement, or personal experiences.

Letter of Recommendation

Include a letter of recommendation from a faculty member, mentor, employer, or community leader who can speak to your commitment to sustainability. The recommendation letter must be sent to gbes.support@tuvsud.com.

Essay

Draft a well-crafted essay of no more than 750 words on the following topic:

The Role of Innovation in Sustainability

“Innovating for a Sustainable Future: Solving Today’s Environmental Challenges”

• Introduction: Sustainability challenges are complex and cannot be solved through a single approach. Innovation plays a critical role in shaping solutions, not only through technology, but also through advances in design, policy, economics, systems thinking, and community action. Introduce why rethinking “innovation” is essential to addressing today’s environmental challenges.
• Body: Discuss how different forms of innovation are being used to address sustainability challenges. Consider technological advances, such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and sustainable materials, as well as system-level innovations, such as circular economy models, climate policy, resilient infrastructure, economic tools, and social or behavioral innovations.
• Evaluate the potential impact of these approaches, including both their opportunities and limitations. Highlight a current sustainability challenge, such as climate change, resource depletion, food systems, or the built environment, and explain how multiple forms of innovation must work together to address it effectively.
• Conclusion: Reflect on why no single innovation is sufficient on its own. Emphasize how combining technological, systemic, and social innovation can create more resilient and scalable solutions for the future of sustainability.

Application Components

• Personal Information: Provide your name, contact details, college/university name, major, expected graduation date, and student identification number.
• Proof of GPA: Submit an unofficial copy of your transcript.

6. Submission Instructions

Please complete the application form below. This form can only be submitted in one sitting, so ensure all necessary materials are ready before submitting. One submission per applicant.

7. Application Deadline

All required documents and applications must be submitted before the stated deadline. Late applications will not be considered. Application deadline: November 20, 2026.

8. Payment to University

The $2,500 scholarship will be paid directly to the recipient’s university in the form of a tuition credit. The payment will be applied to the recipient’s student account in the semester following the award announcement, likely in early 2027. The recipient will need to provide their university’s contact details for payment processing.

Payment may only be used for the following:

• Tuition and required enrollment fees.
• Course-specific books, supplies, and equipment required for all students.

9. Award Announcement

We will announce the GBES scholarship winner on January 15, 2027. The successful applicant will be notified by email, and the announcement will also be made on our official website and social media platforms.

10. Disclaimer

The scholarship recipient will be chosen by an external review committee based on an evaluation of the scholarship application and credentials. Incomplete applications, including those missing transcripts or other required information, will not be considered. All decisions are final and non-appealable. TÜV SÜD America Inc. corporate guidelines and Code of Conduct apply.

11. Review Process and Impartiality

GBES is committed to a fair and impartial scholarship review process. To help reduce the potential for bias, applicant names, universities, geographic locations, and other identifying information will be removed or withheld from reviewers whenever feasible. Applications will be evaluated based on established criteria, including academic achievement, essay quality, demonstrated commitment to sustainability, and other relevant application materials. All applications will be reviewed using consistent evaluation criteria.

2025 Scholarship Winner:
Declan Lustenberger, LEED AP Homes — The University of Tampa

Declan stood out for his leadership in sustainability, his systems-thinking approach to the built environment, and his academic excellence. Recognized by faculty as highly motivated, creative, and an exceptional communicator, Declan exemplifies the purpose of this scholarship.

2025 Scholarship Finalists

Melanie Frick, University of Georgia
Dariya Ghaffari, Texas A&M University
Aaron Justin So, University of Georgia

2025 Scholarship Applicants

Below is the full list of students who applied for the 2026 GBES Sustainability Scholarship. We are inspired by every student who shared their passion and vision for a more sustainable future.

Applicant List: