The Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Professionals (PAEP) is pleased to announce that the 13th Annual PAEP Environmental Science Scholarship application period is now open! The 2025 PAEP Scholarship application period is open through May 19, 2025.

PAEP will offer one $1,500 scholarship to a college freshman or sophomore, one $1,500 scholarship to a college junior or senior, and one $1,500 scholarship to an undergraduate student from a traditionally underrepresented group pursuing a degree in environmental science (or related major).  The scholarships additionally include free attendance at our 2025 PAEP Annual Conference scheduled for September 10-12, 2025 in State College, PA. See the links below for application instructions and materials. Please note that, if qualified, students may apply for more than one scholarship. 

Prospective applicants please keep in mind that dependents of PAEP members and student PAEP members receive bonus points in their application evaluation!  PAEP membership for students is free with completion of the online membership application form. If you have questions or require further information, please contact the PAEP Awards and Scholarship Co-Chairs, Kristin Aiosa (kaiosa@jmt.com) and Mike Kenawell (mkenawell@jmt.com).

PAEP offers three student scholarship awards each year for qualified full-time students in higher education. The three scholarships are:

Gifford Pinchot Scholarship

Named in honor of Gifford Pinchot, a leader in the conservation efforts in the United States, this scholarship is awarded to a freshman or sophomore in environmental science or related curriculum. 

Gifford Pinchot is generally regarded as the "father" of American conservation because of his great and unrelenting concern for the protection of the American forests. He was the primary founder of the Society of American Foresters, which first met at his home in Washington in November 1900. He served as chief with great distinction, motivating and providing leadership in the management of natural resources and protection of the national forests. He continued as forester until 1910, when he was fired by President Taft in a controversy over coal claims in Alaska.

To learn more about Gifford Pinchot , visit the U.S. Forest Service History’s website

https://foresthistory.org/research-explore/us-forest-service-history/people/chiefs/gifford-pinchot-1865-1946/.

Maurice Goddard Scholarship

In honor of Maurice Goddard, the ‘Patriarch of Pennsylvania State Parks’, this scholarship is awarded to a junior or senior in environmental science or related curriculum.

To learn more about Maurice K. Goddard, as well as  other Pennsylvania Conservation Leaders please visit the Pennsylvania Conservation Heritage Project.

https://paconservationheritage.org/stories/who-s-who-the-headliners/

(PAEP is one of many organizations partnering with the PA Conservation Heritage Project!)

Zulene Mayfield Scholarship

Named in honor of Zulene Mayfield who is an activist and leader fighting for pollution accountability, this scholarship is awarded to a student of any year standing and enrolled in environmental science or related curriculum and is part an underrepresented group in higher education enrollees.

Zulene was the driving force behind the creation of the Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living (CRCQL) organization and their goal to make sure that families in Chester live lives free from polluting industries. Today, CRCQL — under Zulene’s leadership — remains incredibly active, broadening its tactics to include education campaigns, assembling data on the consequences of incineration, working with local college campuses, and convincing suburban communities (that send their trash to Covanta) they too have a stake and responsibility in fighting for environmental justice.

To learn more about Zulene Mayfield and CRCQL, visit the CRCQL’s website https://chesterpaej.org/.

The 2025 PAEP Scholarship is now open. 

PAEP Gifford Pinchot Scholarship Instructions for Freshmen and Sophomores

PAEP Maurice Goddard Scholarship Instructions for Juniors and Seniors

PAEP Zulene Mayfield Scholarship Instructions for Undergraduate Students from a Traditionally Underrepresented Group

Recommendation Form

Membership Application Form