Celebrating Students in Sustainability
The MCC and Maricopa District Sustainability Committees offer an opportunity to celebrate student success in Sustainability Leadership.
Student award programs in sustainability highlight the creativity and determination MCC students bring to building a more resilient future. These awards showcase outstanding student research, innovative class and co-curricular projects, and hands‑on leadership that address real-world social, economic and environmental challenges and strengthen our communities.
MCC Sustainability Leadership
MCC Student Sustainability Leadership Award
Faculty Nominate MCC Students
This MCC award honors students who demonstrate exceptional commitment to sustainable stewardship and innovative problem-solving in their classes or MCC's campus community. Faculty members can nominate up to two student leaders who have shown meaningful impact through sustainable initiatives and dedication to creating a more resilient future. Students are nominated by Faculty in early March and an Award Celebration is hosted in late April. Contact Aurelie Buffin for more information.
Maricopa District Sustainability Leadership Awards
Students, Faculty, and Staff
The Maricopa District Sustainability Leadership Awards recognize MCCCD faculty, staff, and students who have committed to a more sustainable future and are leading sustainability efforts on their campuses and in the community. It also recognizes individuals using alternate modes of transportation to reduce carbon emissions. Stay tuned to nominate your students and fellow faculty and staff for 2027. Winners will be recognized at the E.A.R.T.H. Forward Conference in April each year. Contact Shalini Singh for more information.
AASHE Student Sustainability Leadership Award
For Student Self-Nomination
The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education Student Sustainability Leadership Award honors students, student teams and/or student organizations from higher education who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in promoting sustainability on campus. One award is given annually. Prizes include a complimentary registration for the AASHE Conference & Expo ($400 value). Learn more and apply on the AASHE Student Leaders instructions page.
Scholarships for Sustainability Students
Learn more about opportunities for grants and funding to support student projects and scholarship in Sustainability.
Constellation Energy funds student projects that explore career development and professional engagement opportunities for students. Projects include building solar-powered vehicles, designing renewable energy systems, exploring battery and inverter technologies, real-world sustainability challenges, and programs focused on preparing youth for careers in STEM and clean carbon free energy. Learn more and apply on the Constellation Energy website.
The Udall Scholarship Program identifies future leaders in environmental, tribal public policy, and health care fields, and provides up to $7,500 for eligible academic expenses. Scholarship recipients also receive access to changemakers working in Indian country and environmental fields sharing innovative ideas, professional advice, and job and internship opportunities.
Circular Arizona invests in students interested in pursuing a career and community activism in environmental sustainability. Circular Arizona will award a $2,500 scholarship to two eligible applicants. Learn more and apply at their website.