Luther College
IN-48: Innovation B

In partnership with Admissions and the Environmental Studies Department, Luther's Center for Sustainable Communities has created a Sustainability Scholarship of $5,000 ($1,250/year) to be offered to up to five incoming students who have demonstrated leadership in sustainability and are committed to working for a more just, equitable, and environmentally sustainable world. The program began with its first cohort of five students in 2018. This academic year (2021-22) is the first year with all four cohorts in place.

Admissions counselors help to identify possible candidates and personally invite them to apply. Admissions also uses their Slate enrollment platform to identify students with a good curriculum and interest match, and send them messages about the scholarship. Staff and students from Center for Sustainable Communities survey current Luther students who are active in sustainability to provide names of trusted teachers, coaches and other adults, who are then contacted to share information about the scholarship with potential Luther applicants.

First year scholars focus primarily on activities that orient them to the campus and natural areas. Sophomore scholars work together to plan an project or event that will make a meaningful sustainability impact on the campus or community. Junior scholars are involved with mentoring first year scholars. Senior scholars help with planning to improve the program, and with selecting future scholars from interviews and applications.