Dave Ellingson Scholarship for Environmental Studies

Dave Ellingson Scholarship for Environmental Studies

Award Amount: $5,000 (one-time, payable to college/university in August 2026); renewable for up to four years ($20,000 total maximum)

Geographic Scope: United States (NWCCU-accredited institutions)

Mission Alignment: Supports undergraduate students in environmental studies or related fields who see their work as a meaningful calling rooted in faith, service, and care for creation.

Program Description

The Dave Ellingson Scholarship supports undergraduate students pursuing environmental studies or related fields who are motivated by real concern for the earth and its communities, value mentorship, engage in hands-on learning and service, and hope to use their education to promote sustainability, justice, and the common good. Ideal candidates show curiosity, academic commitment, and a desire to grow.

Named in Honor of: Rev. Dr. Dave Ellingson, who served on Trinity Lutheran College's Board of Directors and later as a faculty member. He remains actively engaged with Trinity as a mentor to scholarship recipients.

Eligibility Requirements

• Pursuing environmental studies (or similar) as part of first undergraduate bachelor's degree
• Attending college/university accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) during 2026-2027 academic year
• GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Not recipients of another Trinity scholarship

Focus Areas

• Environmental studies and related fields
• Faith-rooted environmental vocation and calling
• Care for creation and stewardship
• Hands-on learning and service
• Sustainability and justice
• Ecological systems and ethics
• Practical environmental work and community involvement

What's Included

• One-time scholarship of $5,000
• Ongoing individualized mentoring with Rev. Dr. Dave Ellingson (monthly mentoring conversations)
• Participation in ongoing learning and development opportunities
• Eligibility to apply for Trinity Vocational Formation Fellowship in following year
• May be eligible for renewal in future (up to four years total, $20,000 maximum)

Selection Criteria

Applicants are evaluated on:
• Seeing environmental studies as meaningful calling rooted in faith, service, and care for creation
• Consistent academic effort with curiosity and desire to grow
• Motivation by real concern for health of earth and its communities
• Thoughtful and caring approach to environmental issues
• Understanding of connections between ecological systems, people, ethics, and spiritual values
• Hands-on experience (classes, outdoor work, community involvement, service projects, personal reflection)
• Openness to honest reflection, discussion, and guidance through mentoring
• Eagerness to apply learning to environmental work

Contact Information

Trinity Education Foundation 215 W Mukilteo Blvd, Ste 205 Everett, WA 98203 info@trinityeducationfoundation.org 425.249.4800