Building Canada’s Environmental Workforce of Tomorrow
The ECO Foundation supports students and professionals who are building the skills, knowledge and leadership needed for Canada’s environmental future. Through our annual scholarship program, we help individuals enter environmental careers, advance their skills, transition into the sector, lead in stewardship, and contribute to emerging areas of environmental innovation and technology.
Our Year 1 scholarships are designed to support a broad range of pathways – from post-secondary education and trades to professional development, career transition and graduate-level innovation.
Applications Open | Deadline: December 31, 2026
Why the scholarship program matters
Canada’s environmental workforce is evolving rapidly. New technologies, changing labor-market needs, climate and sustainability priorities, and the transition to a low-carbon economy are creating demand for new skills and new leaders.
The ECO Foundation Scholarship Program is designed to strengthen that talent pipeline by supporting individuals at different stages of their education and careers. The program combines workforce relevance with practical financial support so recipients can develop skills, gain qualifications and pursue opportunities that contribute to environmental leadership, stewardship and innovation.
Year 1 Scholarship Categories
The Year 1 program includes five scholarship categories designed to reflect different stages of education and career development.
Depending on the scholarship category, eligible applicants may include students enrolled in relevant university, college, polytechnic, technical or trades programs; final-year students and recent graduates; professionals seeking to upskill or transition into environmental work; Indigenous students and professionals pursuing environmental leadership; and individuals undertaking relevant innovation, technology or graduate-level studies. Scholarship recipients will be selected through a transparent evaluation process that considers alignment with the scholarship purpose, commitment and potential, clarity of the applicant’s education or career pathway, expected impact of the award, and the proposed use of scholarship funds.
Indigenous Environmental Stewardship Scholarship
Focus Area
Emerging Environmental Talent Scholarship
Focus Area
Environmental Career Launch Scholarship
Focus Area
Environmental Workforce Advancement & Transition Scholarship
Focus Area
Environmental Innovation & Technology Scholarship
Focus Area
Program At a Glance
Five Scholarship Categories
Five scholarship categories supporting different education and career stages.
Diverse Education Pathways
Scholarships are open to eligible applicants across approved university, college, polytechnic, technical, trades, professional and graduate pathways, as applicable to each category.
Transparent Evaluation
Applications are assessed through a transparent, documented process using a common 100-point scoring framework to support consistency and fairness.
Category-Specific Awards
Awards are determined according to the purpose, eligibility requirements and selection criteria established for each scholarship category.
Annual Program Details
Year 1 program details, including award amounts and application dates, will be published as part of the annual call for applications.
How To Apply
1. Review the five scholarship categories and identify the one that best matches your education,
career stage and goals.
2. Confirm that you meet the general and category-specific eligibility requirements.
3. Complete the Scholarship Application Form and all applicable category-specific questions.
4. Attach the required supporting documentation.
5. Complete the Applicant Declaration, Privacy & Consent.
6. Submit the complete application by the published deadline.
Applications open: 9 October 2026
Application deadline: 31 December 2026
Public announcement: ECO Impact 2027 | 24 February 2027
| Key Information | Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 9 October 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 31 December 2026 |
| Award Value | Up to $20,000 per scholarship under each category |
| Recipient Notification | 5 February 2027 |
| Public Announcement | ECO Impact 2027 | 24 February 2027 |
| Questions | Dr. Yogendra Chaudhry |
What We Look For
Through this program, ECO Foundation is cultivating a skilled, inclusive, and future-ready environmental workforce by:
• Empowering students to pursue careers that protect and enhance Canada’s environment.
• Building bridges between education, industry, and government.
• Generating data-driven insights to improve diversity and equity in green careers.
Applicants are assessed in the context of their education or career stage. The program recognizes potential as well as established achievement.
Who can apply?
Eligibility varies by scholarship. Depending on the category, applicants may include students, recent graduates, trades or technical learners, mid-career professionals, career transitioners, and graduate students.
Can trades and technical students apply?
Yes, where the program or training pathway is relevant to the purpose of the selected scholarship and meets the Year 1 eligibility requirements.
Are MSc and PhD students eligible?
Potentially, yes. Graduate applicants may qualify where their studies or research align with an applicable scholarship category, particularly Environmental Innovation & Technology.
Do I need extensive environmental work experience?
Not necessarily. Some scholarships are specifically designed for emerging talent or individuals entering or transitioning into environmental careers.
Can I apply to more than one category?
The Year 1 rules for multiple applications will be published in the Applicant Guide.
What can the scholarship pay for?
Eligible uses may include approved education, training, certification, professional development or other career-development costs connected to the scholarship purpose. Final rules will be published before applications open.
How are recipients selected?
Eligible applications are assessed using an approved scoring rubric and reviewed through a documented adjudication process.
When will recipients be announced?
Recipient notification and public announcement dates will be confirmed in the annual call for applications.
Is there an age restriction for any of the scholarships?
No, there are no age restrictions for any of our scholarships.
Get Involved
The ECO Foundation welcomes interest from employers, industry partners, donors, educational institutions and organizations that share our commitment to building Canada’s environmental workforce. Future opportunities may include scholarship sponsorship, co-funding, outreach partnerships and support for new scholarship priorities.