Brower Youth Awards
Offered by Earth Island Institute
About This Scholarship
The Brower Youth Awards are North America's premier recognition for young environmental leaders, presented annually since 2000 by the Earth Island Institute in honor of legendary conservationist David Brower. Each year six winners are selected from applicants ages 13 to 22 living in North America who have led a meaningful environmental campaign, project, or organization.
The prize package goes well beyond the $3,000 cash award: each winner gets a professionally produced short film about their work, premiered at a ceremony in San Francisco, plus a week-long, all-expenses-paid trip to the Bay Area that includes leadership training and time outdoors with fellow honorees. For students building careers in environmental advocacy, the film and the Earth Island network are often worth more than the check.
Applications are judged on leadership, impact, and vision rather than grades, and there is no fee to apply. Submissions are completed online before the spring deadline, with winners announced in the summer and celebrated at the fall ceremony.
Eligibility
- Ages 13 to 22 as of the application deadline
- Living in North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico, and U.S. territories)
- Led an environmental project, campaign, or organization with demonstrated impact
- No application fee; judged on leadership, impact, and vision
How To Apply
- Document your environmental project or campaign, including your leadership role and measurable results.
- Complete the online application on the Brower Youth Awards site before the spring deadline.
- Winners are notified in summer and honored at the fall ceremony in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Brower Youth Award a college scholarship?
It is a $3,000 cash prize rather than a tuition-restricted scholarship, so winners can use it for education or their environmental work. The package also includes a professional short film about your project and a week-long leadership trip to the Bay Area.