Minority and Underrepresented Environmental Literacy Program Offered by Missouri Department of Higher Education 2026

This is a scholarship designed to assist academically talented minority and underrepresented individuals pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in an environmental course of study that will lead to employment in a field that is clearly environmentally related. The Minority Environmental Literacy Advisory Committee selects recipients based on the degree to which applicants’ education, activities and career goals meet the goals of this program. The committee is comprised of individuals from the following categories. - Department of Natural Resources - MDHEWD - Three colleges and universities. These individuals are appointed by their affirmative action offices, and - Five at large individuals from across the state who are high school teachers and college professors. These individuals are appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineJune 1, 2026
• Study LevelMasters
• SponsorMissouri Department of Higher Education

Benefits

Award amounts are determined annually.

Requirements

To be eligible for assistance you must meet the requirements for Initial or Renewal students listed below.  Renewal students and members of the following severely underrepresented minority ethnic groups have award priority.

• African Americans
• Hispanic or Latino Americans
• Native Americans and Alaska Natives
• Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders

Check also:
Fairleigh Dickinson Scholarships for International Students 2026

Application Deadline

How To Apply

Each year, you must complete and submit a Minority and Underrepresented Environmental Literacy Program application to: Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, Attn: Minority and Underrepresented Environmental Literacy Scholarship, P.O. Box 1469, Jefferson City, MO 65102-1469. The application deadline for the 2026-2027 academic year is June 1, 2026. Along with the application, initial applicants must submit the following items.

• Three letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a counselor, principal, and/or college advisor,
• A one page essay explaining your environmentally-related education and career goals,
• A résumé of school and community activities, and
• Transcripts, including ACT or SAT scores.

These application materials must demonstrate the alignment of your goals with the program’s goals.

Renewal students are not required to submit the letters of recommendation, essay, résumé, and transcripts.

The application is also available electronically through the State Financial Aid Portal.  Information about the Student Portal is available here.

For more details, visit  Missouri Department of Higher Education Scholarship Webpage