Overview
The Ingrid Skulstad Williams Scholarship is a meritbased award that honors the legacy of Dr. Ingrid Skulstad Williams, a distinguished scholar and educator in environmental science. Established in 2009 by the University of Northern Cascades (UNC), the scholarship supports undergraduate students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a strong commitment to sustainability.
Purpose and Vision
Dr. Williams devoted her career to interdisciplinary research on climate resilience, communitybased resource management, and the integration of indigenous knowledge into modern science. The scholarship reflects these values by encouraging students to pursue:
- Rigorous academic study in environmental sciences, ecology, or related fields.
- Community involvement and service projects that promote environmental stewardship.
- Innovation in sustainable technology, policy, or education.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be a fulltime undergraduate enrolled at UNC or a partner institution.
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Declare a major or minor in an environmental or related discipline.
- Submit an essay (1,0001,200 words) describing their commitment to sustainability and how they plan to use the scholarship to further their goals.
- Provide two letters of recommendationone academic and one from a community or professional mentor.
Application Process
Applications open each year on September 1 and close on December 1. The process consists of five steps:
- Create an account on the UNC Scholarship Portal.
- Complete the online form with personal and academic information.
- Upload supporting documents (transcripts, recommendation letters, essay).
- Submit a short video (maximum 2 minutes) explaining why you are a fit for the scholarship.
- Confirm submission and note the confirmation number for future reference.
Selection Criteria
The selection committee, composed of faculty members, former scholarship recipients, and community leaders, evaluates candidates using a weighted rubric:
- Academic performance 35%
- Essay quality and relevance 25%
- Leadership and community service 20%
- Video presentation 10%
- Recommendation letters 10%
Shortlisted applicants are invited for a brief interview (virtual or inperson). Final decisions are announced in March.
Benefits
Recipients receive a renewable award of $5,000 per academic year, renewable up to four years provided the student maintains a GPA of 3.5. In addition to the monetary award, scholars gain:
- Mentorship from faculty members of the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences.
- Access to a summer research internship program funded by the Williams Endowment.
- Opportunities to present research at the annual Sustainability Futures conference.
- Membership in the Ingrid Skulstad Williams Alumni Network.
Past Recipients
Since its inception, the scholarship has supported 58 students. Notable alumni include:
- Aisha Patel Founder of GreenRoots, a nonprofit that restores urban wetlands.
- Marcus Liu Lead engineer on a lowcost solarpowered irrigation system now used in three African nations.
- Elena Garca Policy analyst who helped draft the State Renewable Energy Act of 2023.
How to Contribute
The scholarship is sustained through donor contributions. Individuals and corporations can:
- Make a onetime donation of any amount.
- Establish a recurring monthly gift.
- Sponsor a specific student through a named scholarship.
All contributions are taxdeductible under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. To donate, visit the UNC Giving Page and select Ingrid Skulstad Williams Scholarship.
Contact Information
For questions about eligibility, application requirements, or donation opportunities, please contact the scholarship office:
Email: scholarships@unc.edu
Phone: +1 (555) 7832201
Office: Room 212, Environmental Sciences Building, UNC Campus
