Earlham–Ullberg Prize for Environmental Innovation

$12,000 to explore innovative approaches to addressing an environmental challenge

The Earlham-Ullberg Prize for Environmental Innovation was established in 2024 to inspire and empower Earlham students to tackle some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. The Prize is made possible by the vision and generosity of Rohin Ullberg ‘87, who envisions this opportunity as a catalyst for engaging students in generating innovative approaches to climate change and other critical environmental issues. 

The Prize is awarded to an Earlham student to support a summer of travel to explore innovative approaches to addressing an environmental challenge. The Prize includes $12,000 to fund 8-12 weeks of travel, preferably to two or more locations, between May 16 and August 20, 2025.

Application materials

Eligibility

  • Earlham College undergraduate student who will be enrolled for the Fall 2025 semester and in good academic and disciplinary standing with the College
  • Domestic and international students are eligible
  • Students of any major are eligible
Submit application materials to Jamey Pavey

Expectations of awardees
  • Spend a minimum of 8 continuous weeks in travels within or outside the United States, departing no later than June 15 of the award year.
  • Spend the full award amount (less any applicable taxes). 
  • Submit a revised proposal to the campus committee for final approval by May 1 of the award year
  • Submit a financial report to the campus committee within two weeks of the midpoint of the trip, explaining how money and time have been spent, plus a final report upon completion due within two weeks of the end of the trip.
  • Submit a 400- to 600-word final reflection, focusing on your key points of learning through the experience and how you plan to apply these toward addressing environmental challenges.
  • Send a reflection and thank you note to the donor within two weeks of the conclusion of the trip.
  • Complete a presentation on campus in the semester following your trip in coordination with the campus committee. This presentation should focus on your key points of learning through the experience and how you plan to apply these toward addressing environmental challenges.

Personal statement selection criteria

Within your Personal Statement, describe how the project will contribute to your learning and growth based on Earlham’s Co-curricular Learning Goals. You should address at least three of the following:

  • Equity + Inclusion: Demonstrate the awareness, attitude, knowledge and skills required to equitably engage and include people from different cultures and backgrounds. Engage in anti-oppressive practices that actively challenge the systems, structures and policies of racism and inequity.
  • Career + Self Development: Proactively develop oneself and one’s career through continual personal and professional learning, awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses, navigation of career opportunities, and networking to build relationships within and without one’s organization.
  • Professionalism: Knowing work environments differ greatly, understanding and demonstrating effective work habits and acting in the interest of the larger community and workplace.
  • Leadership: Recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals.
  • Communication: Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with persons inside and outside of an organization.
  • Critical Thinking: Identify and respond to needs based on an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information.

Project proposal selection criteria

Your Project Proposal will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

  • Organic: The project grows from the nominee’s background, interests and activities. The most organic projects show deep, tangible investment. We are not looking for the project to have been completed once before but need to see convincing engagement in the themes that underpin the interest.
  • Bold: Provided a project is realistic, applicants are encouraged to push the envelope. To stretch. Stretching will look different for everyone. 
  • Realistic: The project must balance boldness with pragmatism. The project should demonstrate that the nominee is thinking in feasible terms. “What is achievable, given my subject matter, my preparation, my contacts, my funding, my skills?”
  • Connected: As part of the application process we strongly advise candidates to contact inspiring institutions and thought-leaders, as well as communities and individuals in-country, to build connection and insight.

Your Project Proposal should answer the following questions:

  • What environmental challenge are you interested in investigating?
  • What innovative approaches to the challenge do you hope to research?
  • What is your plan for the 8-12 week period?
  • What opportunities and challenges are unique to your project?
  • How do you plan to apply the knowledge you gain through this experience?
Epic Centers
Jonny Costello working on the garden at Miller Farm

Innovative solutions for a sustainable future

The Prize structure, inspired by the Watson Fellowship, aligns with Earlham’s dedication to engaging students and faculty in pursuing solutions to large-scale problems. It places special emphasis on the concept of “social entrepreneurship,” or leveraging entrepreneurial strategies for the greater good. The Earlham–Ullberg Prize also serves as a springboard in encouraging participants to turn their experiences into actionable, transformative projects.

By providing recipients an opportunity to explore, learn and see innovative solutions in action, this prize underscores Earlham’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of environmental leaders.

Interested in applying?

Submit application materials to Jamey Pavey

Next steps