YPE SF Bay Area Scholarship Program

Welcome to the YPE SF Bay Area Scholarship site. The 2024 application cycle is now open! Continue reading to access the application materials, sign up for the informational webinar, and submit your application. Applications are due by July 7.

WHY ARE WE SUPPORTING STUDENTS THROUGH OUR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM?

Climate change is the defining challenge of our generation and we have a lot to do in the coming decades! We need more young people entering the workforce who are passionate about enabling an equitable energy transition and we need these champions and leaders to represent all backgrounds, perspectives and disciplines. Currently people of color are more poorly represented in clean energy than they are across the rest of the economy (see this report by E2 for more information on representation in clean energy).

With all this in mind, YPE SF Bay Area launched our Scholarship Program in 2021 to motivate the next generation of energy leaders and to create pathways for students to envision and realize successful careers in the clean economy. We encourage students from all backgrounds to apply, including those from underrepresented backgrounds. This scholarship intends to provide financial resources to support coursework/study in climate or clean energy, as well as mentorship and induction into the professional cleantech ecosystem. Apply now to become a recipient!

PROGRAM DETAILS

WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY?

  • As a scholarship winner you would receive at least $2,500 towards qualified educational expenses provided through your educational institution, furthering your higher education. (Funding is provided directly to an academic institution in the name of the selected applicants.)

  • Expand your professional network in clean energy and climate: In addition to funding, YPE will provide opportunities for mentorship from our members, free attendance to our annual Career Expo, access to other YPE events, and admittance to the YPE Scholarship Alumni network. The winners will be recognized in our newsletter that enjoys wide readership across the energy, climate, and cleantech ecosystems in the Bay and will be able to forge meaningful connections with both recent graduates and experienced professionals working in the industry. 

  • Even if you are not selected as a winner and are a distinguished applicant  


WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Full-time or part-time students pursuing an Associates or Undergraduate degree with an interest in entering the energy/climate space. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in an educational institution located in Northern California, but can be taking coursework remotely.  All majors and fields of study are welcome to apply. Recipients will gain opportunities to broaden and build their professional networks within the YPE SF Bay Area membership group. 

Eligible candidates should meet the specifications below and be able to provide documentation of:

  • Demonstrated financial need (e.g., FAFSA student aid report)

  • Active academic enrollment at a college or university in Northern California in the fall of 2024

  • Academic record (official or unofficial transcript)

Additionally, you should be able to speak to your interest in joining the climate or energy space on graduation through your essay answers and any academic, extracurricular, or internship experience to date. 

NOTE: No previous experience in the clean energy or climate space is required. However, competitive applicants should explain (1) why they are interested in energy/climate issues and (2) how their personal history and/or previous experiences will enable them to bring a unique perspective.


WHAT IS INVOLVED IN APPLYING?

Just a simple application and a few short answer essays that will help the selection committee understand how you want to contribute to the energy/climate industry and how this funding will help you get there. In addition, you should have your supporting documents ready to upload to the application form: financial aid documents (required), official or unofficial transcript (required), and resume/CV (required).


WHAT ARE THE SELECTION PROCESS AND TIMELINE LIKE? 

We will host an informational webinar in May and an in-person recruiting event in June (exact dates and times TBA) to share additional details and field questions. We will take about a month to review the application materials and select the awardee(s). We will notify recipients thereafter to verify eligibility and coordinate the award and related opportunities. 

TIMELINE:

April 8: Opening of the scholarship portal, begin accepting applications

May 28: Informational webinar (register HERE)

June: In-person recruiting event/Q&A session (registration link will be posted in April)

July 7: Applications close; review begins

End of August: Winners notified!

If you have additional questions about the opportunity, reach out to our scholarship committee chair, Natalia, at scholarship@ypesfbayarea.org - please include ‘scholarship question’ in the subject line


INTERESTED IN SPONSORING / HOSTING A SHADOW DAY?

Reach out to scholarship@ypesfbayarea.org with any questions on partnering on this effort. Multiple levels of sponsorship are available. Please mention the scholarship in your outreach so we can follow up with you. 

ABOUT US

YPE SF Bay Area is a local chapter of the global Young Professionals in Energy nonprofit organization, which includes over 40,000 members across 40 chapters. YPE facilitates the advancement of young professionals in the energy sector by providing opportunities for professional networking and knowledge sharing. YPE empowers its members to be leaders in their communities and the global energy industry through various event-oriented initiatives. Events range from networking mixers to energy facility tours to speaker seminars that explore scientific industry topics. YPE always looks for creative ways to bring energy professionals together to connect. We also host community and student events as part of our organization’s ongoing commitment to social and educational responsibility.

The Scholarship Committee consists of the below team members. 

2024 Scholarship Committee Chair / VP of Community (Scholarship)::

  • Natalia Recko

2024 Committee Members:

  • Eleanor Adachi

  • Thomas George

  • Jenny Conde

  • Ben Cader-Beutel

2024 Scholarship Advisors:

  • Melina Acevedo, Co-creator of Scholarship Program

  • Nikhil Gargeya, Co-creator of Scholarship Program

  • Igor Tregub

  • Dakota Pekerti

  • Worlasie Djameh

Past Committee Members:

  • Bianca Draud

  • Eleanor Adachi

  • Curtis Wong

  • Jean-Paul Wallis

  • Maelym Medina

  • Tyler Nansel