2026 Scholarship Awards

The EPOC Environmental Scholarship Fund was established in 1998 to assist qualified applicants who are attending a college or university (in CT or out of state) and have declared majors pertinent to the environmental field. The scholarships are awarded annually to junior, senior, and graduate level students (full or part-time) enrolled in accepted programs of study, leading the student to become a Technical Environmental Professional in the State of Connecticut as defined by the CT DEEP, or a professional in a related service discipline who may render technical assistance to the Technical Environmental Professional. EPOC would like to express its thanks to all the students applying for a scholarship this year. At recent meetings of the EPOC Scholarship Fund Committee, scholarship applicants were reviewed and voted on. We extend our congratulations to the following award winners:

Sadie Ann Uhlan

Sadie is a resident of Wallingford and is attending Eastern Connecticut State University as a senior majoring in Environmental Earth Science. From Sadie’s application: Throughout my time at Eastern Connecticut State University, I have developed skills in environmental assessment, GIS mapping, and data analysis. My coursework and internship experience have helped me better understand how environmental investigations are conducted, from collecting field data to interpreting results, and communicating findings. These experiences have confirmed that I want to pursue a career where I can be directly involved in environmental problem-solving, particularly in areas such as site remediation and water quality protection.

Evan Williams

Evan is a resident of Oakville and is attending the University of Connecticut in Storrs as a senior for this year majoring in Environmental Natural Resources Economics & Environmental Studies. From Evan’s application: As an aspiring environmental professional dedicated to the protection and restoration of Connecticut’s natural resources, I am honored to submit my application for the EPOC Scholarship. My academic journey in my double major in Environmental and Natural Resource Economics and Environmental Studies at the University of Connecticut has been driven by a singular goal: to develop the technical expertise necessary to address the complex legacy of industrial contamination within our state.

Alyssa Krinsky

Alyssa is a resident of Hamden and is attending Southern Connecticut State University as a graduate student pursuing a degree in MS Coastal Resilience. From Alyssa’s application: The pinnacle of my research will be an analysis of best practices for implementing an innovative dock-based tidal marsh system. Inspired by successful implementations in Chicago, Baltimore, and beyond, this living shoreline system will be evaluated for its efficacy in capturing contaminants and providing habitat in highly modified environments. I envision this work as a catalyst for long-term ecological restoration and a model for how New Haven can adapt to a changing climate through community-driven science.

Katelyn Cross

Katelyn is a resident of Weston and is attending Clemson University as a senior for this year majoring in Environmental Engineering. From Katelyn’s application: My journey from environmental awareness to hands-on problem solving has solidified my commitment to environmental engineering, not just as a field of study, but as a career dedicated to creating sustainable, practical solutions that protect our natural resources and communities. I am particularly inspired to pursue work that balances development with environmental responsibility, ensuring long-term resilience in Connecticut and beyond.

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The EPOC Scholarship Fund is financed through the support of EPOC programs, proceeds from golf tournaments, and direct contributions from individuals and companies. EPOC is a non-profit organization, and as such, contributions to the Scholarship Fund are tax deductible for most firms. Unlike many other organizations, 100% of your contributions go to the EPOC Scholarship Fund. A committee of volunteers who support its goals and ideals manages the fund. For further information, please visit our Scholarship webpage.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND TO APPLY ONLINE, SEE:

epoc.org/scholarship

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY!

The Environmental Professionals Organization of Connecticut (EPOC) recognizes its duty to assist in the education of individuals planning a career in the environmental industry. Consequently, the EPOC Environmental Scholarship Fund was established in 1998. The purpose of the Scholarship Fund is to assist Connecticut residents, or an immediate family member (spouse or child) of an EPOC Member in good standing, who are enrolled in accepted programs of study (see below) preparing the student to become a Technical Environmental Professional* in the State of Connecticut as defined by the CT DEEP, or a professional in a related service discipline who may render technical assistance to the Technical Environmental Professional.

*As defined by the CT DEEP, a Technical Environmental Professional (TEP) is anyone, including a Licensed Environmental Professional, who collects soil, water vapor, or air samples in order to investigate and remediate pollution to the state's soil or water, and who may be directly employed or retained as a consultant by a public or private employer.

Accepted programs of study include the following: Environmental Science, Geology, Biology, Chemistry, Hydrogeology, Hydrology, Earth Science, Natural Resource Management, Ecology, Soil Sciences, Water Resources, Toxicology, Wetland Science, Engineering (Civil, Environmental, Chemical), and Other Related Degreed Environmental Programs if deemed relevant to the stated goal of the scholarship.

Please assist us in publicizing the availability of the scholarships. If you know of students who meet our criteria, or professors, department chairs or personnel in financial aid offices at the universities you have attended, please inform them of the availability of the scholarship fund and direct them to EPOC's website.

For further information and application form, please see our Grant Program page at: epoc.org/grants

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY!

The EPOC Grant Program provides non-profit and not-for-profit environmental advocacy groups, community based groups and environmental education organizations funding for local projects that benefit the environment. The applications will be judged against the environmental benefits of the project and compared to the other grant submittals. Environmental benefits can vary widely and successful applications may include projects within Connecticut that improve the environment, such as: property and watershed clean-ups, reforestation efforts, biodiversity projects, streamside buffer restoration projects, monitoring environmental conditions of watersheds or ecosystems and hazardous waste collection efforts. Also, proposals that promote environmental education and development of youth for careers in the environmental field will be considered.

EPOC is currently updating our Learning Management Site (LMS) with more advanced software for our on-demand program content and features for LEPs to manage their continuing education credits. We are also in the process of updating our Young Environmental Professionals (YEP) pages to better organize the training sessions we've offered on a wide range of regulatory and technical topics.

The EPOC Environmental Scholarship Fund was established in 1998 to assist qualified applicants who are attending a college or university (in CT or out of state) and have declared majors pertinent to the environmental field.  The scholarships are awarded annually to junior, senior, and graduate level students (full or part-time) enrolled in accepted programs of study, leading the student to become a Technical Environmental Professional in the State of Connecticut as defined by the CT DEEP, or a professional in a related service discipline who may render technical assistance to the Technical Environmental Professional. EPOC would like to express its thanks to all the students applying for a scholarship this year. At recent meetings of the EPOC Scholarship Fund Committee, scholarship applicants were reviewed and voted on. We extend our congratulations to the following award winners:

Evan Williams

Evan is a resident of Oakville and is attending the University of Connecticut in Storrs as a junior for the coming academic year majoring in Environmental and Sustainability Studies. From Evan’s application: I aspire to work in environmental policy, sustainability consulting, or conservation management, where I can contribute to creating policies and initiatives that promote environmental stewardship. Ultimately, I believe that the best solutions come from individuals who are passionate, knowledgeable, and dedicated to making a difference.

Bethany Steinman

Bethany is a resident of Colchester and is attending Wheaton College in Norton MA as a senior majoring in Environmental Science. From Bethany’s application: Combining my major concentration of geoscience with my math and urban studies minors, I hope to work in either atmospheric chemistry to study the makeup of air and its impacts on the environment, or to work in renewable energies to provide and implement alternative energy sources to create a sustainable atmosphere.

Morgan Burrus

Morgan is a resident of Southbury and is attending the University of Tampa as a senior for the coming academic year majoring in Marine Science-Biology. From Morgan’s application: Growing up in Connecticut has also played a significant role in shaping my interest in the environment. The state’s coastline along Long Island Sound is rich in biodiversity, but also faces environmental pressures from nutrient runoff, industrial activity, invasive species, and shoreline development.

Adriana Colombo

Adriana is a resident of Stamford and is attending the College of Charleston in South Carolina as a graduate student pursuing a degree in Environmental and Sustainability Studies. From Adriana’s application: I chose this program because it will prepare me to be an effective environmental professional capable of balancing ecological integrity with human development along vulnerable coastlines. The program’s interdisciplinary structure and hands-on learning approach will allow me to really understand how policy, conservation science, and sustainable resource management can be used together to positively impact our environment.

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The EPOC Scholarship Fund is financed through the support of EPOC programs, proceeds from golf tournaments, and direct contributions from individuals and companies. EPOC is a non-profit organization, and as such, contributions to the Scholarship Fund are tax deductible for most firms. Unlike many other organizations, 100% of your contributions go to the EPOC Scholarship Fund. A committee of volunteers who support its goals and ideals manages the fund. For further information, please visit our Scholarship webpage.

The Environmental Professionals Organization of Connecticut (EPOC) is pleased to announce our environmental grant awards for 2025 as follows (total amount of all awards is $15,465):

• McLean Game Refuge, Inc.
  The McLean Game Refuge is Connecticut’s largest private wildlife sanctuary and is home to thousands of plant and animal species. For nearly 100 years, the leadership of McLean has carried on George McLean’s legacy, expanding to over 4,400 acres and opening nearly 30 miles of trails to thousands of visitors. EPOC’s grant will help support a new center for game refuge management and education, and specifically to renovate a maintenance garage. This larger and better equipped space will enable them to attract and train an expanded work force to protect wildlife and maintain a diversity of ecosystems.
  
  
• North Branford Land Conservation Trust, Inc. 
  The mission of the North Branford Land Conservation Trust is to acquire and maintain open space and to promote the conservation of land and natural resources within the Town of North Branford and environs. EPOC’s grant will help support their vision to create The Beech Street Demonstration Forest with walking trails to observe the vernal pond, eagles and other wildlife, as well as an ADA compliant parking area and trail. 
  
  
• Roaring Brook Nature Center 
  Roaring Brook Nature Center (RBNC) is a wildlife refuge and educational center offering nature-focused programs and recreation in addition to wildlife rehabilitation services. As a satellite campus of The Children's Museum, the RBNC facility houses immersive exhibits that highlight local ecosystems, past and present, through life-sized murals, displays, and live animal ambassadors that engage visitors of all ages. EPOC’s grant will support general operational support of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic, including essential expenses such as staff time, animal food, medical supplies, and other critical resources required to provide high-quality care. 
  
  
• Bartlett Arboretum Association, Inc. 
  The Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens is dedicated to fostering a deep connection between people and nature through education, conservation, and community engagement. Their 93-acre living museum in Stamford, Connecticut, serves as a hub for environmental education, scientific discovery, and the preservation of native and rare plant species. EPOC’s grant will support a comprehensive renovation of the historic Frank Bartlett Heisinger Conifer Garden within the 93-acre property, upgrading it to exemplify modern ornamental horticultural standards. 
  
  
• Girl Scouts of Connecticut Inc. 
  Since 1912, Girl Scouts of Connecticut has anticipated the evolving challenges youth face, offering dynamic programming that empowers all participants—regardless of age, background, or ability—to explore, innovate, and create lasting change in their communities. EPOC’s grant will support environmental education initiatives and expand access to youth in underserved communities across the state. The goal of this project is to expand access to high-quality environmental education through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, inspiring a new generation of environmental stewards across Connecticut. 
  
  
• Gather New Haven 
  Gather New Haven’s mission is to promote health, equity, and justice for people and the environment by cultivating connections with each other and our local lands and waters, and by inspiring us to care for ourselves, our community, and the natural world. Gather’s programs center on the intersections of urban agriculture, public health, community development, education, and environmental stewardship. EPOC’s grant will help support funding to implement the Hemingway Creek Nature Preserve Invasive Species Mitigation Project. Ecological benefits will center on diversifying forest structure, enhancing the long-term health of the stand, and protecting neighboring properties from encroachment. 
  
  
• Connecticut Forest and Park Association 
  Established in 1895, Connecticut Forest & Park Association’s (CFPA) mission is to connect people to Connecticut’s forests, parks, an trails, to ensure these special places are protected and well managed for future generations. CFPA inspires active, lifelong engagement with Connecticut’s abundant and well-managed forests, parks, and trails by building a vibrant and diverse conservation community. EPOC’s grant will help support their Master Woodland Manager (MWM) program. The MWM program combines interactive field experiences with online modules, offering flexible yet rigorous training experience directed by CFPA and enriched by partnerships with leading organizations, including the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, UConn, Yale, Audubon Connecticut, and the Connecticut Land Conservation Council. 
  
  
• Community Foundation of Middlesex County 
  The Community Foundation of Middlesex County is an Old Saybrook community organization dedicated to addressing the town's low tree canopy and the corresponding loss of health, energy, environmental and climate resilience benefits of a strong and health tree canopy. EPOC’s grant will support their project to give away 150 trees in 2025. Trees will be given away to property owners from census blocks that are prioritized according to % tree canopy, poverty and % of seniors and children.

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The EPOC Grant Program provides non-profit and not-for-profit environmental advocacy groups, community-based groups and environmental education organizations, funding for local projects that benefit the environment on an annual basis. For further information, see our Grant Program page on our website at epoc.org/grants.

Below is a link to the recordings and handouts from the EPOC/CT DEEP RSR training courses offered in March 2023. We are posting them with permission from CT DEEP for a limited time prior to the annual LEP exam. The RSR course was offered in 2023 in four sessions, each four-hours in length, for a total of approximately 16 hours of instruction. EPOC will not be offering a live version of RSR training this year.

EPOC/CT DEEP RSR Training Courses 2023

EPOC has posted information on available courses that have been approved for Continuing Education Credits (CECs) by CT's LEP Board. This includes both upcoming "live" courses and on-demand offerings. We will be updating this page as additional courses are approved for EPOC and other course providers. We understand many LEPs are seeking courses at the time and wish to assist you with all available options to satisfy your upcoming license renewal requirements. To view the page, click on link below.

LEP Courses Available

For further information and application form, please see our Grant Program page at: epoc.org/grants

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY!

The EPOC Grant Program provides non-profit and not-for-profit environmental advocacy groups, community based groups and environmental education organizations funding for local projects that benefit the environment. The applications will be judged against the environmental benefits of the project and compared to the other grant submittals. Environmental benefits can vary widely and successful applications may include projects within Connecticut that improve the environment, such as: property and watershed clean-ups, reforestation efforts, biodiversity projects, streamside buffer restoration projects, monitoring environmental conditions of watersheds or ecosystems and hazardous waste collection efforts. Also, proposals that promote environmental education and development of youth for careers in the environmental field will be considered.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND TO APPLY ONLINE, SEE:

epoc.org/scholarship

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY!

The Environmental Professionals Organization of Connecticut (EPOC) recognizes its duty to assist in the education of individuals planning a career in the environmental industry. Consequently, the EPOC Environmental Scholarship Fund was established in 1998. The purpose of the Scholarship Fund is to assist Connecticut residents, or an immediate family member (spouse or child) of an EPOC Member in good standing, who are enrolled in accepted programs of study (see below) preparing the student to become a Technical Environmental Professional* in the State of Connecticut as defined by the CT DEEP, or a professional in a related service discipline who may render technical assistance to the Technical Environmental Professional.

*As defined by the CT DEEP, a Technical Environmental Professional (TEP) is anyone, including a Licensed Environmental Professional, who collects soil, water vapor, or air samples in order to investigate and remediate pollution to the state's soil or water, and who may be directly employed or retained as a consultant by a public or private employer.

Accepted programs of study include the following: Environmental Science, Geology, Biology, Chemistry, Hydrogeology, Hydrology, Earth Science, Natural Resource Management, Ecology, Soil Sciences, Water Resources, Toxicology, Wetland Science, Engineering (Civil, Environmental, Chemical), and Other Related Degreed Environmental Programs if deemed relevant to the stated goal of the scholarship.

We ask that you assist us in publicizing the availability of the scholarships. If you know of students who meet our criteria, or professors, department chairs or personnel in financial aid offices at the universities you have attended, please inform them of the availability of the scholarship fund and direct them to EPOC's website.

For further information about the EPOC Scholarship Fund, contact Seth Molofsky at (860) 537-0337 or Email: epoc@epoc.org.