The Ecolab Experiential Education Scholarship helps University of Minnesota Twin Cities undergraduates access hands-on sustainability-related opportunities while reducing financial burden. Get financial support for your SUST 4096 sustainability internship or the Germany: Leading the Renewables Revolution study abroad course.
Learn more about the scholarship and each opportunity below.
Scholarship Eligibility & Priority
The following are the main eligibility requirements for the Ecolab Scholarship. Some programs may have additional requirements.
To be eligible you must:
- Be an undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities
- Be enrolled full-time during the semester the scholarship is awarded
- Have a current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Minnesota Dream Act application on file with the University if you are a domestic students
- Answer a few additional essay questions within the application, if you are an international student
- Not already be receiving the maximum financial aid allowed under the University’s cost of attendance limits
- Maintain the University’s satisfactory academic progress toward your degree
- Follow the University of Minnesota Student Conduct Code as outlined by the Office for Community Standards
- Demonstrate an interest in sustainability and addressing environmental challenges
Priority may be given to students who:
- Demonstrate a significant financial need
- Are pursuing internships that have a focus on environmental justice or equity
- Are able to participate in Ecolab Scholar programs and events
- Have not already received a UMN Ecolab Scholarship
Study Abroad
The Ecolab Scholarship provides funding for students enrolled in IonE’s Germany: Leading the Renewables Revolution study abroad course.
Award Amount
Award: Up to $2,500 (depending on financial need)
The scholarship aims to:
- Reduce financial barriers to study abroad
- Provide assurance of funding earlier in the process and encourage early financial planning
- Increase representation of economically disadvantaged students in study abroad programs
Application Process
- Apply to the Germany Study Abroad program. There are two applications – one for IonE and one for Learning Abroad. Both need to be completed.
- If you are a Twin Cities undergraduate, complete the financial need and eligibility section in the IonE application. This section serves as your application for the Ecolab Scholarship.
Scholarship Deadlines: Study Abroad
January 2027 Application Opens
January 2027 Application Closes
Get details about IonE’s Germany study abroad course. Fill out the required IonE form to apply for the Ecolab Scholarship.
Fall & Spring Internship
The Ecolab Scholarship for fall and spring internships is awarded through the Sustainability Internships course (SUST 4096). It’s available to students with unpaid internships.
Award Amount
Award: Up to $1,600 ($16/hr)
- 60 hours (~4.6 hrs/wk) – $960 total
- 80 hours (~6.2 hrs/wk) – $1,280 total
- 100 hours (~7.7 hrs/wk) – $1,600 total
Scholarship funds are awarded at the beginning of the internship. If your degree program requires an internship longer than 100 hours, please email [email protected].
Additional Eligibility Requirements
In addition to the requirements listed above, applicants must:
- Enroll in SUST 4096 before applying for the scholarship
- Be selected for an unpaid internship
Small benefits, such as occasional lunches, free tickets and parking privileges, do not count as salary. Modest stipends (less than $100 total) also do not count as salary.
Application Process
- Work with your course instructor to secure an unpaid internship position by the second week of class.
- If you meet the eligibility requirements, you will receive an email from [email protected] with a link to the application.
Scholarship applications typically open in September and January. After the priority due date, applications are processed on a rolling, first-come first-served basis until all funds are awarded for the semester.
Scholarship Deadlines: Fall & Spring Internship
Spring Application Opens
Opens at 8 a.m.
Spring Priority Due Date
Priority application deadline is 6 p.m.
Fall Application Opens
Opens at 8 a.m.
Fall Priority Due Date
Priority application deadline is 6 p.m.
Find out how the Sustainability Internship course works and apply for the Ecolab Scholarship to support your experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions?
Have questions about eligibility or the application process? Contact us for assistance.