Midwest Renewable Energy Association and Straubel Foundation Award Eight Scholarships
Awards designed to assist students pursuing degrees in renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainability, or clean technology.

In partnership with the Straubel Foundation, we have awarded eight MREA and Straubel Foundation Clean Energy Leadership Award scholarships to students studying in the fields of renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainability, and clean technology.

Founded in 2018, the partnership has awarded scholarships to a total of 23 high school seniors, college students, non-traditional students, and graduate students, assisting them in pursuing their higher education aspirations. Thirty-one more students have received MREA scholarships since 2006 through additional programs, bringing the overall total to 54 students. This year’s recipients include Zara Akkuly, MaKayla Erdmann, Molly McGuire, Jonah Messinger, Rebekah Nagy, Haley Ritchie, Jonathan Spencer, and Brittany Weber.

Ordinarily the formal announcement of the scholarship’s recipients would take place during the MREA’s annual event, The Energy Fair. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The 31st Annual Energy Fair has been postponed until June 25-27, 2021, with the organization instead electing to make the announcement during its virtual annual General Membership Meeting scheduled for later this summer.

With its focus in global sustainability, education, and science, the Straubel Foundation has used its partnership with the MREA as one of several ways of seeking to inspire tomorrow’s leaders. Executive Director of The Straubel Foundation, Boryana Straubel noted that “We look forward to reading the MREA scholarship applications every year. It’s an honor to select and support these young people, already exhibiting commitment, excellence, curiosity, and care in the way they lead their lives. The Midwest is growing bright leaders in the energy and environment space.”

The scholarship will again be available to students in 2021. Information for those interested in applying or donating to help grow the program can learn more at midwestrenew.org/scholarships/.

Scholarships are awarded to students who reside in the Midwest (WI, MN, MI, IA, IL, IN, OH, MO). Students should possess a clear goal of desiring to make their community, environment, or world a better and more sustainable place to live. Students should be able to show prior interest and/or education in the field. Criteria for awarding scholarships are based on leadership skills, student motivation, enthusiasm, and commitment. Applications are due each year on March 30 and can be submitted completely online.

The MREA would like to thank the Straubel Foundation for their continued support of the renewable energy and sustainability fields and their future leaders. It has been an excellent opportunity to see the beneficial impact our organizations can make together to bring forth the future of technology, sustainability, and leadership through the many bright and inspiring young professionals who apply for the awards each year.

The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational organization. Founded in 1990, the MREA promotes renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable living through education and demonstration. To learn more, call 715-592-6595 or visit www.midwestrenew.org.