Climate Scholars Program at UAF

 
 
Study climate change in the Last Frontier, working alongside the top climate scientists in the world. Focusing on actionable science and community engagement, the Climate Scholars Program at UAF’s Honors College offers unique opportunities for field-based, hands-on learning and research.

The Climate Scholar Experience

Climate change is one of the defining issues of our time. Meeting its many challenges will require innovative solutions and well-planned action — at both a local and global level. The Climate Scholars Program at UAF offers the first opportunity of its kind in the nation for undergraduates to get involved and make a meaningful impact.

As a Climate Scholar at UAF, you’ll engage in a highly interdisciplinary academic experience that connects the arts, humanities and sciences. You’ll also have the chance to work with top climate science experts who are engaged in cutting-edge research on climate and the Arctic.

Climate Scholars Program Requirements

Opt-in

To be eligible for Climate Scholars opt-in undergraduate students must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Current UAF Honors student
  • 3.7+ high school final cumulative GPA (we will use the weighted GPA if you have taken AP classes)
  • 3.7+ college GPA
  • RAHI graduate
  • ANSEP participant
  • Emerging Scholar Academy student
  • UA Scholar
  • Highest tier Alaska Performance Scholarship awardee

Climate Scholars Program Opt-in
Petition

We encourage students who do not meet opt-in criteria, but are interested in becoming a Climate Scholar, to use our Climate Scholars Program Petition form below.

Petitioning requires that students submit the following:

  • Cumulative GPA from your high school, transferring school, or from UAF
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement
  • Interview with Climate Scholars staff

Climate Scholars Program Petition

 

Take part in a Climate Intensive

Earn credits toward your Climate Scholars Program and take part in an unique class allows students the opportunity to engage deeply within the subject area of Climate Change.

Study climate change overseas

Study abroad as part of an international student exchange program — at universities that offer cutting-edge climate change academic programming.

Explore Honors College scholarships

The Honors College at UAF awards $50,000 in scholarships each year as well as a variety of research and travel grants to help cover expenses.

Study on the front lines of climate change

The Arctic is warming twice as fast as the rest of the planet. At 200 miles south of the Arctic Circle, in the heart of Alaska, our Fairbanks campus is a gateway to site-based experiential learning you won’t find anywhere else on Earth. Much of your experience as a Climate Scholar will take place outside the classroom, seeing the changes in climate first hand.

Participate in a Climate Intensive
Make an impact locally and globally

If you want to make a difference, this is the place to be. Collaborate with state legislature officials to develop climate policy. Engage in service learning activities overseas, or work with UAF researchers to combat challenges that affect Alaskans. At UAF, you’ll have one-of-a-kind opportunities to impact climate policy, science and communities through your work as an Honors student.

Find UAF Honors on social media
Work closely with leading researchers in climate science

With experts on permafrost, glaciers, sea ice and more, UAF brings together some of the top researchers in climate science. Our work in Arctic biology, engineering, geophysics, supercomputing and Alaska Native studies is also renowned worldwide. We lead the world’s universities in the number of Arctic-related publications and citations, and are home to the International Arctic Research Center and other major research units.

Prepare for climate change jobs

Careers in climate change are growing fast nationally and around the globe. Whether you’re interested in working in climate science research, clean energy development, environmental engineering, education, or as a legislator who develops climate change policy, you can gain experience through our Climate Scholars Program to prepare for tomorrow’s careers.