Scholarships

Explore scholarship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in your area of study. 

Apply for a SPPES scholarship! Amounts range from $150 to over $4,600. To be considered please complete in its entirety and attach all required documentation when prompted. Review the prompts carefully to determine whether you need to provide additional information. Submit your application by April 10, 2026 at 5:00PM. 

You can prepare ahead by assembling the following materials:

  • Unofficial transcript
  • Description of extracurricular activities, community service, any significant honors, awards, or achievements received while at 91ÁÔÆæ (if applicable)
  • Proof of military service (if applicable)

(Mar 17 - Apr 10, 2026)

Environmental Studies, BS & BA

John L. McLemore Scholarship in Environmental Studies

The John L. McLemore Scholarship is awarded annually to an undergraduate Environmental Studies major. The intent of this scholarship is to support the education of a student who has demonstrated financial need. Preference will be given to students who are the first in their families to attend a four-year university. Student applicants will have completed a minimum of 60 units by the time of the award application and be in good academic standing.

Frank Schiavo Environmental Scholarship

Frank Schiavo was a long-time faculty member in the Department of Environmental Studies at 91ÁÔÆæ who inspired generations of environmentalists and educators. Those who knew him were moved by his passion and dedication. This scholarship has been organized in Frank’s memory to support undergraduate Environmental Studies students with a demonstrated interest in activism, environmental education, green building, and other environmental fields.

Richard G. Bufton Memorial Award for Environmental Toxicology

This scholarship was created by Mrs. Beth Bufton as a memorial to her husband. The scholarship is meant for:
1) A graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and interest in environmental toxicology and plans to pursue this as a graduate student and/or
2) A graduate student who is studying the effects of toxic chemicals on the environment and has demonstrated the potential for outstanding achievement in environmental toxicology.

Paul D. Brown Memorial Scholarship

Undergraduate Students (Jr or Sr)
This scholarship is open to undergraduate Environmental Studies majors who are enrolled full-time at 91ÁÔÆæ. Students who are planning careers in federal, state, county, and city recreation or park agencies are strongly encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to applicants with the following qualifications:
1) Currently a junior or senior in an Environmental Studies major;
2) Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher;
3) Prior or active service in any branch of the US Military, and
4) Community service and involvement in environmental or recreation organizations.

Environmental Studies, MS

John Luckhardt - Kiwanis Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship has been created as a tribute to long-time coast redwood forest enthusiast and West San Jose Kiwanis Club member, John Luckhardt. The scholarship is intended to help support graduate student research in Environmental Studies at San Jose State University focused on the natural sciences (preference given to students studying forest ecology).  We extend our gratitude to the West San Jose Kiwanis Club, Carol Luckhardt, and the efforts of Dr. Doug Greer, 2010-2013 Kiwanis President and emeritus associate of the Environmental Studies Department, for this generous award.

Environmental Justice Research Scholarship

The goals of this scholarship are twofold:
1) Substantially increase our research effectiveness and outreach in the realm of Environmental Justice; and
2) Help make the Master of Science degree in Environmental Studies at 91ÁÔÆæ accessible to historically underrepresented students.

Richard G. Bufton Memorial Award for Environmental Toxicology

This scholarship has been created by Mrs. Beth Bufton as a memorial to her husband, Richard. The scholarship is designed for:
1) A graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding achievement and interest in environmental toxicology and plans to pursue this as a graduate student and/or
2) An Environmental Studies graduate student who is studying the effects of toxic chemicals on the environment and has demonstrated the potential for outstanding achievement in some field of environmental toxicology.

Geography, BA

Fishman Wilcoxson Scholarship Award in Geography

Given to a graduating student who has demonstrated outstanding performance in their degree program and holds future promise in the field of Geography.

Mary Brugo Scholarship

This scholarship honors exemplary academic work in the field of Geography.

Mary Jo Taketa Memorial Scholarship:

This award to given to a Geography student who embodies commitment and achievement to the pursuit of a B.A. or M.A. in Geography.

Susan Coons and Guenter Krueger Memorial Scholarship

For academic excellence in Geography. Established by 91ÁÔÆæ alum Guenter Krueger '65 (Business) in memory of his first wife Susan Coons '65 (Geography).

GEOGRAPHY, MA and Geographic Information Science (GISc), MS

Fishman Wilcoxson Scholarship Award in Geography

Given to a graduating student who has demonstrated outstanding performance in their degree program and holds future promise in the field of Geography.

Maria Henle Scholarship Award in Geography

For a Geography student who demonstrates merit, commitment, and dedication to advancing the discipline of Geography.

Mary Jo Taketa Memorial Scholarship

This award goes to a Geography student who embodies commitment and achievement in the pursuit of a B.A. or M.A. in Geography.

Mary Brugo Scholarship

This scholarship honors exemplary academic work in the field of Geography.

Geographic Information Science, minor

The Susan Coons and Guenter Krueger Memorial Scholarship

For academic excellence in Geography. Established by 91ÁÔÆæ alum Guenter Krueger '65 (Business) in memory of his first wife Susan Coons '65 (Geography).

Public Administration, MPA

Robert A. Smith Scholarship

For outstanding Masters of Public Administration culminating project (Awarded in mid-May).

Douglas McIntyre Scholarship

Masters of Public Administration Outstanding Graduate Student Award. Criteria for earning this merit award are GPA, service to the program or profession, and demonstrated commitment to public service.

Urban and Regional Planning, MUP

Bert Muhly Scholarship

For a continuing Masters of Urban Planning student. Award criteria are academic excellence and service to the profession, community, and School. 

Don & Ann Rothblatt Scholarship

For a graduating Masters of Urban Planning student who demonstrates academic excellence and service to the department and the planning profession.

Margaret Schumb Memorial Scholarship

For the most promising continuing Masters of Urban Planning student. Criteria for this merit award are GPA, service to the program or profession, and demonstrated commitment to urban planning.

David J. Powers Memorial Scholarship

The David Powers Environmental Scholarship fund was established by the employees of David J. Powers & Associates, Inc. to honor Dave Powers. Dave Powers was a 91ÁÔÆæ graduate who was truly an environmental advocate and friend to the School. This scholarship rotates each year between Biology, Environmental Studies, and Urban Planning. The '25- '26, scholarship is available for Masters of Urban Planning students. 

 

SPPES Scholarships Application (Mar 17 - Apr 10, 2026)

 

Other Scholarships

COSS Scholarships

Each year, the College of Social Sciences offers scholarships to students majoring in one of the College's departments and programs. The represent the generosity of many friends, alumni, and former Deans of the college. These scholarships reward academic excellence and take into account financial need to help address the ever-increasing costs of higher education.

APA, CPF Scholarship

The awards scholarships to outstanding planning students enrolled at eligible professional planning degree programs in CA, and seeking to enter the planning profession based on an application and selection process. Criteria for the scholarships include academic performance, financial need, increasing diversity in the planning profession, and a commitment to serve the planning profession in California after graduation.

Scholarship is open to URBP, GEOG, MPA, and ENVS Students. For more information, please contact Judi Heher: judith.heher@sjsu.edu