PA EPA PROVIDES $286,000 GRANTS FOR 68 TRIBAL LANDS ENV. SCH.

PA EPA PROVIDES $286,000 GRANTS FOR 68 TRIBAL LANDS ENV. SCH.

FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1996

EPA PROVIDES $286,000 GRANT FOR 68
TRIBAL LANDS ENVIRONMENTAL SCHOLARSHIPS

In an ongoing effort to expand environmental education to protect Indian tribal lands, EPA has announced that 68 students attending 44 universities and colleges across the United States have been selected winners in a national competition for Tribal Lands Environmental Science Scholarships. The scholarships of $4,000 each cover the l996- 97 school year and were made possible by an EPA grant of $286,000 to the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) of Boulder, Colo., which made the selection of winners. EPA joined AISES in the scholarship program in l991 with a grant of $121,000 for 27 students. The Agency's scholarship-grant program has grown each year, and the l997-98 school year is expected to provide 75 scholarships through AISES. Scholarship eligibility includes full-time college or university junior, senior or graduate students who major in one of a number of environmental sciences. Applicants qualify on the basis of academic achievement, knowledge of Indian culture, commitment to improving the environment of Indian lands, relevant work experience and character. Scholarship recipients must maintain a grade point average of 2.5 and must agree to work next summer on an Indian reservation or at one of EPA's offices, if an environmental protection internship position is offered. EPA believes that the scholarship program will increase the number of environmental scientists attracted to full-time employment at EPA and on Indian lands after graduation. Potential candidates should apply to AISES chapters located on many college campuses or directly to the national headquarters: 1630 30th St., Suite 301, Boulder, Colo. 80301 or (303-939-0023). AISES is a national American Indian educational organization. In addition to the scholarship program, it provides educational and professional opportunities for American Indians, develops teacher and curriculum programs, offers mentors and role models for Native American youth and holds an annual national conference. The l996 annual conference was held in Salt Lake City, Utah, with over 3,000 in attendance.


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