Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
Financing a graduate degree shouldn’t stand between you and the work you want to do in the world. At the Patel College of Global Sustainability, students benefit from competitive funding opportunities designed to recognize talent, commitment, and a passion for creating positive change. In 2025 alone, PCGS awarded almost $20,000 in scholarships.
This year, four PCGS students were selected as Butz Scholars in the Fall, each receiving $2,500 to support their academic journey. Moreover, two students were named Patel Distinguished Scholars, each receiving $3,000 in recognition of their academic excellence and leadership potential. The Amy & Michael Drake Scholarship awarded $3,000 in Spring to one student dedicated to advancing climate resilience in the Tampa Bay region. Returned Peace Corps Volunteers qualify for the Coverdell Fellowship, which offers $5,000 distributed across fall and spring semesters, along with in-state tuition rates.
Together, these awards highlight our college’s commitment to uplifting emerging sustainability leaders whose ideas, dedication, and vision push the field forward. As the demand for sustainability professionals continues to grow, PCGS remains focused on celebrating excellence and supporting the scholars shaping a more resilient future.
Butz Scholarship
The Butz Scholarship celebrates the passion, creativity, and determination of future sustainability leaders. The award recognizes students whose personal journeys demonstrate a deep commitment to making a difference and who can powerfully articulate their growth as sustainability advocates.
Award: Four (4) $2,500 each, awarded annually
Application Deadline: July 1
Semester Awarded: Fall Semester
The Patel Distinguished Scholar Award
The Patel Distinguished Scholars is a prestigious recognition awarded to those who exemplify academic excellence, visionary leadership, and an unwavering dedication to advancing sustainability. These scholars stand out for their bold ideas, outstanding performance, and potential to make lasting contributions to their communities and the world.
Award: Two (2) $3,000 each, awarded annually
Application Deadline: July 1
Semester Awarded: Fall Semester
Eligibility: Incoming PCGS students with remarkable entrance application
Amy & Michael Drake Scholarship
The Drake scholarship is dedicated to supporting the financial needs of students in the Master of Arts or Master of Science Degree Programs at the Patel College of Global Sustainability who have a strong commitment to helping the Tampa Bay region adapt to climate change through innovative solutions.
Award: One (1) $3,000 each, awarded annually
Application Deadline: November 30
Semester Awarded: Fall Semester
Coverdell Fellow Scholarship
This partnership will allow Returned Peace Corps Volunteers to complete a graduate degree in one of three master's programs offered in the Patel College of Global Sustainability. Students within our program connect regularly with our community partners and have a strong record of success in the workplace upon completion of the degree.
Scholarship Benefit: : $5,000/$10,000 Scholarship, two awards of $5,000 each (Fall and Spring)
Application Deadline: Same deadline as the PCGS Application Deadline
USF Fellowships and Scholarships:
At USF, there are numerous scholarship and fellowship opportunities available to students. You can explore the options by visiting the USF Scholarship Database or the USF Foundation Scholarships page. There, you can discover and apply for various funding opportunities that can support your academic journey.
Additionally, USF provides numerous opportunities for admitted students to apply for additional funding, which can be found on the Office of Financial Aid's website. Once admitted, activating your USF NetID and email will grant you access to the scholarship application, allowing you to apply for these opportunities.
Cost of attendance
For the most accurate estimate for your cost of attendance, kindly view the Office of Admission's Cost of Attendance page for Graduate Students.
exploring jobs
We also recommend being proactive in seeking financial assistance and exploring job opportunities. USF offers various resources through our career services connections, where you can explore job listings, internships, career fairs, and more by registering on Handshake:
Career Services for Students:
Handshake (Job and Internship Platform):
PCGS Job Fairs webpage
By investing time and effort to explore these resources and seize the available opportunities, you'l may significantly enhance your chances of securing funding to support your educational journey.