The EPOC Environmental Scholarship Fund was established in 1998 to assist qualified applicants who are attending a college or university (in CT or out of state) and have declared majors pertinent to the environmental field.  The scholarships are awarded annually to junior, senior, and graduate level students (full or part-time) enrolled in accepted programs of study, leading the student to become a Technical Environmental Professional in the State of Connecticut as defined by the CT DEEP, or a professional in a related service discipline who may render technical assistance to the Technical Environmental Professional. EPOC would like to express its thanks to all the students applying for a scholarship this year. At recent meetings of the EPOC Scholarship Fund Committee, scholarship applicants were reviewed and voted on. We extend our congratulations to the following award winners:

Evan Williams

Evan is a resident of Oakville and is attending the University of Connecticut in Storrs as a junior for the coming academic year majoring in Environmental and Sustainability Studies. From Evan’s application: I aspire to work in environmental policy, sustainability consulting, or conservation management, where I can contribute to creating policies and initiatives that promote environmental stewardship. Ultimately, I believe that the best solutions come from individuals who are passionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated to making a difference.

Bethany Steinman

Bethany is a resident of Colchester and is attending Wheaton College in Norton MA as a senior majoring in Environmental Science. From Bethany’s application: Combining my major concentration of geoscience with my math and urban studies minors, I hope to work in either atmospheric chemistry to study the makeup of air and its impacts on the environment, or to work in renewable energies to provide and implement alternative energy sources to create a sustainable atmosphere.

Morgan Burrus

Morgan is a resident of Southbury and is attending the University of Tampa as a senior for the coming academic year majoring in Marine Science-Biology. From Morgan’s application: Growing up in Connecticut has also played a significant role in shaping my interest in the environment. The state’s coastline along Long Island Sound is rich in biodiversity, but also faces environmental pressures from nutrient runoff, industrial activity, invasive species, and shoreline development.

Adriana Colombo

Adriana is a resident of Stamford and is attending the College of Charleston in South Carolina as a graduate student pursuing a degree in Environmental and Sustainability Studies. From Adriana’s application: I chose this program because it will prepare me to be an effective environmental professional capable of balancing ecological integrity with human development along vulnerable coastlines. The program’s interdisciplinary structure and hands-on learning approach will allow me to really understand how policy, conservation science, and sustainable resource management can be used together to positively impact our environment.

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The EPOC Scholarship Fund is financed through the support of EPOC programs, proceeds from golf tournaments, and direct contributions from individuals and companies. EPOC is a non-profit organization, and as such, contributions to the Scholarship Fund are tax deductible for most firms. Unlike many other organizations, 100% of your contributions go to the EPOC Scholarship Fund. A committee of volunteers who support its goals and ideals manages the fund. For further information, please visit our Scholarship webpage.