Engineering: Sustainability Champion Award
Recognition, Funding, and Mentorship Resources to Build a Better World
Big challenges require bold action. University of Idaho College of Engineering students earn funding toward projects, study, research, practice, and advocacy to build a better world and address urgent global issues.
Our Sustainability Champion is a recognition program to help individuals and teams learn the importance of taking action to build a more peaceful, equitable and prosperous future.
Applications are due each year by the end of March and are awarded at the College of Engineering Awards Ceremony.
What is sustainability?
Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
The scope of sustainability is often described as including three spheres – social, environment, and economic. Projects and activities that benefit only one area can have value but are less sustainable than those that balance all three.
How to Apply
Students must be engineering or computer science majors currently enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits at the University of Idaho College of Engineering.
Priority is given to undergraduate students enrolled full time (12+ credits) and graduate students enrolled full time (9+ credits), but consideration will also be given to part-time students.
Students from all campuses are eligible to apply.
$250 - Awarded. Multiple awardees may be selected.
College of Engineering designated Sustainability Champion Awards are available to recognize work on projects, study, research, practice, and advocacy.
Students must describe how their efforts impact each of the three spheres of sustainability: Economic, Environment and Social.
While explaining their impact in each of the spheres, students may include how their achievements best address up to three of the Sustainable Development Goals as described at globalgoals.org.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals are:
- No Poverty
- Zero Hunger
- Health and Wellbeing
- Quality education
- Gender Equality
- Clean Water and Sanitation
- Affordable and Clean Energy
- Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- Reduced Inequality Among Countries
- Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Responsible Consumption and Production
- Climate Action
- Ocean, Sea and Marine Conservation
- Protect, Restore and Promote Use of Terrestrial Ecosystems
- Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
- Global Partnerships
Application packages are reviewed by a committee of faculty, staff, the Academy of Engineers, and U of I College of Engineering Advisory Board members. Recommendations are made in a timely fashion and forwarded for approval to U of I College of Engineering leadership.
Mentorship is available to students and team members applying for the award from experienced leaders from industry and the college. Advice can help improve sustainability understanding and achievement of impactful project and activity outcomes. To seek mentorship, ask your advisor or send an email to engr@uidaho.edu.
Email questions about the application or award process to engr@uidaho.edu.
Meet Our Sustainability Champions
Our Sustainability Champion Award honors student projects, study, research, practice, and advocacy that address urgent global issues and meet the needs of the present without compromising the abilities, access to resources and overall quality of life for future generations.
Lydia Beardsley and Kaitlin Tabaracci
Lydia and Kaitlin are expanding water bottle filling stations across College of Engineering buildings. Their efforts translate into direct savings for both individuals and the institution and stimulates revenue growth by enhancing the sustainability profile of the college.
