Zonta Foothills Club of Boulder County is proud to introduce our Bev Sears Climate Action Scholarship for women* pursuing studies in climate-related fields

“The Bev Sears Climate Action scholarship is a profound acknowledgment of my dedication to mitigate climate change and elevate the role of women in climate action. As the first person in my family to pursue a master's degree, this scholarship relieves the financial pressures of my education, enabling me to focus on my role at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory where I strive to create an equitable environment for women in power systems. The Bev Sears Climate Action scholarship supports my leadership in advancing the Women in Power System Transformation program, which aims to empower women to spearhead the clean energy transition and achieve gender parity in a field where women are vastly underrepresented. This award not only aids my personal academic pursuits but also reinforces the importance of my work in empowering women around the world to be at the forefront of combating climate change.” 

Erin was inspired by the resilience of her single mother, she is the first person in her family to earn a master's degree— while working full-time through graduate school and is working to foster an inclusive environment for women in the power sector.

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What is the Zonta Foothills Foundation Bev Sears Climate Action (BSCA) Scholarship?

The Bev Sears Climate Action Scholarship is an annual scholarship sponsored by the Zonta Foothills Foundation. The winner(s) will receive up to $2,000. It is offered to women* attending the University of Colorado, Boulder in at least the third year of undergraduate studies who are pursuing degrees in engineering, environmental-related studies, natural resources, conservation, climate sciences and any other subject areas impacting climate action.

Around the world, climate change disproportionately impacts women, posing increased social disruption and extreme risk to gender equality. In response, Zonta International’s Statement on Climate Change: a Gender Equality Issue highlights the importance of educating girls, especially in response to climate change. Zonta Says NOW to Gender Equality and Climate Action is a practical framework of Zonta International initiatives designed to slow down climate change. Zonta Foothills Club of Boulder County strongly endorses this action.

The Bev Sears Climate Action Scholarship, demonstrates Zonta Foothills Club of Boulder County’s fervent commitment to Zonta Says Now. It will help to ensure a gender-equal, sustainable world by educating women and advocating for women’s rights, and inspiring female leaders. Women are underrepresented in the scientific, technical and climate sciences arena, making up only 17% of students, 19% of managers, and 9% of developers. We hope this scholarship, awarded to women in climate-related studies, will empower leaders who will sustain the planet for future generations.

Bev Sears The envonmentalist

A member of the Zonta Foothills Club of Boulder County for almost 40 years, Bev Sears is an environmentalist who worked passionately to serve her community and protect the world around her. This scholarship honors her commitment to community service as an elected member of the Boulder City Council for several terms and her commitment to our planet as the Council representative to the National League of Cities and a member of its Energy, Environment, and Natural Resource Committee. Through our partnership with the University of Colorado, this award also recognizes Bev’s career with the University of Colorado Foundation at CU’s Graduate School where she worked tirelessly to build a broad range of scholarship programs.

Who Is Eligible?

Women* who are attending the University of Colorado Boulder, in at least the third year of undergraduate studies when the application is submitted to the Zonta Foothills Foundation are eligible to apply. Applicants must still be attending CU at the time the scholarship funds are awarded.

We are looking for women who are applying their passion through both their studies and their actions. Applicants should be engaging in community action or strategies that will contribute to protecting the environment and mitigating climate change.

NOw accepting applications

We are now accepting applications for the Bev Sears Climate Action Scholarship. The deadline to apply is November 6, 2023. The winner will receive the funds via check to CU Boulder at the start of the Spring 2024 semester.

*Anyone who identifies as a woman sometimes or always, regardless of the gender assigned at birth.

Scholarship Application

All application materials must be received by the Zonta Foothills Foundation by 5:00 pm on Monday, November 6, 2023.

Other required components for application:
● Detailed transcript from CU Boulder to verify current enrollment
● One faculty recommendation commenting on the candidate’s climate action work
● Articles, pamphlets, books, curriculum vitae, photos or other publications (optional)

All supporting materials must be received by the Zonta Foothills Foundation at president@zontafoothills.org by 5:00 pm on Monday, November 6, 2023.