Through our undergraduate scholarship program, the Henry David Thoreau Foundation identifies and supports outstanding young leaders from Massachusetts who are committed to safeguarding the environmental welfare of future generations. We call them Henry David Thoreau Scholars.
Scholarship Details
- Each year, 8 to 10 top-ranking high school seniors from Massachusetts are selected as Henry David Thoreau Scholars.
- Scholars receive a four-year scholarship of up to $25,000.
- Thoreau Scholars are eligible for an environmental internship stipend, typically taken between junior and senior year.
- Scholars gain access to the HDT Network, a dynamic group of current and former scholars, for mentorship and professional opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be a high school senior.
- Must attend a Massachusetts high school.
- Must demonstrate strong academic qualifications and a commitment to an environmental field.
- Must intend to pursue interdisciplinary environmental studies in college, with at least 25% of coursework focused on environmental subjects.
Application Process
- Confirm eligibility.
- Submit the scholarship application, including any required essays and documentation.
- Selected scholars will be notified and will receive up to $25,000 over four years, along with eligibility for an environmental internship stipend.
- Join the HDT Network and take part in mentorship opportunities and annual events with other scholars and alumni.
Requirements
If selected as a Thoreau Scholar, you must:
- Enroll at an accredited college or university of your choice
- Carry 25% of your undergraduate coursework in subjects related to the environment (you may choose any major/minor)
- Submit an annual report of your activities in the environmental field, including academic courses
- Provide an official copy of your transcript at the end of each semester and maintain greater than a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale
Thoreau Scholars gain access to a dynamic network of current scholars and alumni who study and work around the world, offering tremendous opportunities for professional discovery and personal growth. At our annual reception, the Thoreau Foundation gathers to celebrate the achievements of our Scholars and induct new members of the Henry David Thoreau Society for the Environment (our alumni association).