Each year there are 20 to 50 million tons of e-waste discarded in the world. E-waste contains toxic materials, including heavy metals, that can easily seep into the ground and ultimately get into groundwater supplies. According to the EPA, recycling e-waste allows more than 100 million pounds of materials to be reused annually.
The purpose of this scholarship is to help you understand the impact of e-waste and what can be done to reduce e-waste. For more information, please refer to these articles.
Who may apply: You must be a high school freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior or a current or entering college or graduate school student of any level. Home schooled students are also eligible. There is no age limit. You must also be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
How to apply: Complete the application form below including a 140-character message about e-waste. The top 10 applications will be selected as finalists. The finalists will be asked to write a full length 500- to 1,000-word essay about e-waste.
Deadline: April 30, 2026 to coincide with Earth Day
How we'll select the winner: We'll select the 10 finalists based on the content of the 140-character message. The winner will be selected based on the content and creativity of the 500- to 1,000-word essay.
Awards: The winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship.