Scholarships
The scholarships listed on this page are divided into two categories:
- Internal West Chester University scholarships, administered by WCU
- External scholarships, funded and administered by external organizations and agencies
This list is not exhaustive. You may be able to find a scholarship in your major by searching WCU’s scholarship site. Ask questions about these scholarships by contacting the Financial Aid Office (610-436-2627).
West Chester University Scholarships:
Environment-related:
Odell-Chisholm scholarship
The Odell-Chisholm Scholarship was established to support students who have a passion for studying and advancing the field of renewable energy. Awarded by the Sustainability Committee, the Odell-Chisholm Scholarship will be awarded to undergraduate students majoring in Environmental Health, or a related field, and have a documented need for financial aid. The awardees should be pursuing a career focused on the renewable energy field.
Sartomer Environmental Award
Awarded to a sophomore or junior student currently majoring in chemistry and who has fulfilled the necessary pre-requisites. Consideration will be given to students who are taking or who have completed the course in environmental chemistry. Students must maintain an overall 3.0 GPA and 3.2 GPA in science courses.
Teacher with a Mission Scholarship
Will provide financial support to an undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or graduate Education student pursuing a career in teaching in an urban setting or in the field of environmental education with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
John W. Ward Complementary Majors Scholarship
The John W. Ward Complementary Majors Scholarship will be awarded annually to a qualified WCU student who is pursuing a dual or double major. The successful candidate will have a major in one of the following disciplines: history, literature(s) offered by the English department, music, psychology, philosophy, political science, and a second major in one of the following disciplines: mathematics, computer science, or one of the natural sciences including these current and potential future majors of astronomy, biology, biomedical engineering, botany, chemistry, physics, pre-med, or zoology.
Candidates will present (a) a dual or double major in the aforementioned fields. (b) a minimum of 3.2 GPA (c) faculty recommendations from the appropriate department(s). Each candidate will be required to provide a quality essay of 700-1500 words outlining the rationale for the choice of majors. The essay must be specific to the topic provided. General essays will not be considered.
Mustalish Scholarship for Environmental Sustainability
Awarded by the Office of Sustainability, the Mustalish Scholarship for Environmental Sustainability is awarded to an undergraduate or graduate student in good academic standing with a passion for environmental sustainability. Applicants should have coursework in the field (i.e. climate change, species loss, public green space, waterway and ecosystem research, etc.) and/or a demonstrated interest in environmental sustainability through their studies, volunteerism, art, music, and/or teaching at West Chester University. With a changing climate now upon us, this scholarship will be awarded at the discretion of the Office of Sustainability to a student doing meaningful work in the ever-changing field of environmental sustainability.
Majors scholarships that could be used for sustainability topics – search in your own major:
Bonnie Claire Bruno Scholarship
Will support an incoming freshman with a major in the College of Sciences and Mathematics. Candidates must be a female Pennsylvania resident, with demonstrated financial need.
Communications Studies Alumni Chapter Scholarship
Awarded to a Communications major who has completed 90 credits, has an overall GPA of 2.8, and displays leadership on campus or through the community.
The Mele Family Scholarship
Awarded to a promising undergraduate student in WCU's School of Business.
Ruth Reed Leadership Scholarship
The Ruth Reed Scholarship Leadership Scholarship is based on GPA and leadership contributions to West Chester University. Students with a 3.5 GPA or higher, have completed 30 credit hours and are currently declared as a Health major (Respiratory Care, Public Health, Health Sciences General and Environmental Health) are eligible to apply. Students must write 800 words or less on how they have contributed to leadership on campus in the areas of diversity, research and/or service to the WCU community.
Social justice and fair labor practices are also sustainability issues, so search for scholarships such as:
The Reverend Anderson Porter Scholarship
Awarded to an African American student with a minimum 2.5 GPA who demonstrates financial need. Applicants must complete the Reverend Anderson Porter scholarship essay which should address the student's experience with social justice/civil rights issues or personal religious faith.
APSCUF (Faculty Union) Scholarships
West Chester University’s Chapter of Association of Pennsylvania State College & University Faculty and Coaches (APSCUF) is pleased to sponsor the following scholarships:
- General Scholarship- (1) undergraduate award @ $1000
- Labor Union- (1) undergraduate award @ $1000
- BIPOC Scholarship- (2) undergraduate and (2) graduate awards @ $1500 each