Henry David Thoreau Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Henry David Thoreau Foundation
Overview and key dates
- Applications are accepted only through the online application.
- Online application opens: October 15th.
- Application and all supporting materials must be received by: February 1st.
- Applicants will be informed of the Selection Committee’s decision by: April 30th.
Who is eligible
To be considered for a Henry David Thoreau Scholarship you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen and a resident of Massachusetts.
- Be in your final year of high school and intend to graduate from a Massachusetts high school.
- Plan to begin college in the same year the scholarship is awarded.
- Show strong academic performance and a demonstrated commitment to study or work in an environmental field.
Application support materials
To help strengthen your submission, we offer resources including:
- Guidance on writing an effective resume.
- A guide on how to request letters of reference.
If you are selected (Scholar obligations)
Recipients of the Thoreau Scholarship are required to:
- Enroll at an accredited college or university of your choice.
- Complete at least 25% of your undergraduate coursework in environmental-related subjects (you may select any major or minor).
- File an annual report describing your activities in the environmental field, including the relevant courses you have taken.
- Provide an official transcript at the end of each semester and maintain a cumulative GPA above 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Internship recommendation and stipend
Thoreau Scholars are strongly encouraged to undertake an environmental internship, typically between their junior and senior year. Scholars may request funding support for such internships by applying to the Selection Committee for an internship stipend.