ASU awards scholarships for sustainability leaders

Through funding provided by the Rob and Melani Walton Fund of the Walton Family Foundation, Arizona State University will award a limited number of scholarships of up to $15,000 to professionals applying to the Executive Master of Sustainability Leadership (EMSL) program. The admissions application deadline for those who wish to be considered for this scholarship is Nov. 30.

The online program, offered by the ASU School of Sustainability and administered through the ASU Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives, equips professionals from all ranks within an organization with the knowledge and real-world experiences needed to accelerate their careers in sustainability.

The next cohort begins in January 2017 and integrates three in-person workshops with the online learning experience, including a weeklong international immersive in The Netherlands, where students have the opportunity to connect with an elite network of sustainability experts and leaders.

The 13-month program covers four specific themes: global context, strategy, communication and leadership. Each theme is split up amongst four expert faculty members offering students a balance of perspectives between seasoned academics, respected thought leaders and innovative practitioners.

“This Executive Master program was created to fill a leadership gap, equipping students with the skills they needed to lead their organization’s success using sustainability as a core driver,” said George Basile, EMSL professor and Senior Sustainability Scientist at the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability. “At the core of this program is transformation – in both our students and the organizations they go on to advance through sustainability practice.”

Recent graduates currently fill positions such as CEO, sustainability manager, municipal principal planner and senior director of recycling and technology with organizations such as American Express, Republic Services, Accenture, Cummins INC, American Red Cross and municipalities in California and Arizona.

“EMSL strikes the correct balance between traditional academics, online learning and in-person immersive sessions,” said Jamie Cook, 2016 EMSL graduate and director of Renewable Energy Projects for Maui Electric in Hawaii. “EMSL has given me the knowledge, connections and confidence to my career to new heights.”

To be considered for the 2017 cohort and scholarship, applicants must submit a full application, including an answer to the scholarship essay question, by Nov. 30. Scholarship recipients will be selected based on their complete application after their admission to the program.