Sustainability Scholarship
As part of its sustainability efforts, Luther College offers $5,000 scholarships ($1,250 per year) to students who have demonstrated leadership in sustainability and are committed to working for a more just, equitable, and environmentally sustainable world. Is this you? If so, read on to learn more about this unique opportunity. The scholarship recipients join, work, and learn with other scholars in Luther’s Sustainability Scholars Program.
Deadline for the 2026 Sustainability Scholarship Application is February 1, 2026.
Who Should Apply?
- High school seniors who have been accepted to Luther College with an interest in sustainability and social justice
- Individuals with leadership potential wanting to work for change in the world
- Haven’t applied to Luther College yet? Apply here
What are the Scholarship Application Criteria?
- Demonstrated commitment to sustainability and social justice in your school or community
- Leadership experience/potential illustrated in your personal statement and recommendation from a teacher/mentor
- Passion for sustainability and commitment to working for change
NOTE: At Luther College, we define sustainability broadly as “integrated action to address environmental, economic, and social challenges to ensure a more just, equitable, and ecologically healthy world.”
To Apply for the Scholarship:
Go to the scholarship opportunities tab in your Admissions Portal to complete your application. Don’t see the Sustainability Scholarship? Contact your Admissions counselor or email sustainability@luther.edu.
The application includes several brief questions about your background, activities, leadership abilities, and your interest in sustainability.
Letter of Recommendation:
In addition to your application, you are required to submit one letter of recommendation from a teacher, mentor, faith leader or community member who can speak to your potential for leadership in sustainability, as defined above. Recommendation letters should address how the person knows you and provide additional information on your academic performance, interest in sustainability, and leadership potential.
Letters of recommendation are due by February 1, 2026 and should be emailed to Michelle Einck with the student’s name in the subject line of the email. Please ask your reference to send the letter as a PDF, if possible, and make sure it includes your first and last name in the title of the file (example: Smith_Juanita.pdf).
A committee of Luther faculty and staff will review and discuss each application. Based on the content, creativity, and writing quality displayed in the submitted essays and the nature of the personal recommendation, a select group of candidates will be invited for an interview via Zoom. Interviews will be used to determine the 2026 Sustainability Scholars.
Questions? Email: sustainability@luther.edu or call Kara Holmstrom, 563-387-1722.