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Funding and Incentives

Community Roots Scholarship

Updated 7/22/2026
Funding and Incentives
  1. Air District
  2. Funding and Incentives
  3. Funding Sources
  4. Community Roots Scholarship

The Air District is Launching a New Scholarship for Community-Rooted College Students.

New 7/22/2026

The Bay Area Air District is proud to announce the launch of the Community Roots Scholarship — a new program investing in college students who are deeply connected to their communities and committed to advancing environmental justice, equity, and community leadership.

About the Scholarship

  • $5,000 per award
  • 10 scholarships available for the 2026 cycle
  • Open to currently enrolled college students across all majors
  • Priority given to students connected to the Bay Area or Northern California, or communities impacted by environmental, social, or economic inequities
  • Application Deadline: August 24, 2026

This scholarship was designed to meet students where they are — no minimum GPA, no required major, and a broad definition of leadership that includes caregiving, organizing, advocacy, and community service.

Apply or share the opportunity here.

Free Application Workshops

Every Thursday, July 9 – August 13 at 6:00 PM PT. Free and open to all students.
Join here. Workshop password: Roots

For more information, contact J. Howard at airdistrictscholarship@baaqmd.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who is eligible to apply?
    Applicants must be currently enrolled in a college or university. They should demonstrate a connection to the Bay Area/Northern California or communities impacted by environmental, social, or economic inequities.
  2. Do students need to be from the Bay Area?
    Not strictly, but priority is given to students who are connected to or have lived experience in the Bay Area/Northern California or other overburdened communities.
  3. Is there a GPA requirement?
    Applicants must be in good academic standing at their college or university.
  4. What majors are eligible?
    All majors are eligible. Students interested in environmental justice, public health, policy, or community work are especially encouraged to apply.
  5. How can the funds be used?
    Recipients may use the funds in the manner they determine will best support their academic success and persistence in college, including for tuition, books, transportation, housing, living expenses, technology, and other educational expenses.
  6. What makes a strong application?
    Strong applicants speak authentically about their community, demonstrate real-world impact (formal or informal), share personal experiences and challenges, and show a clear desire to create change.
  7. Do students need formal leadership experience?
    No. Leadership can include supporting family or community, organizing locally, mentoring peers, advocacy, or informal work.
  8. What is the time commitment after receiving the scholarship?
    Recipients will participate in a “Meet the Scholars” profile, share their experience through a few social media posts, and stay connected with the program.
  9. Is this a one-time award?
    Yes, this is a one-time $5,000 scholarship for the current cycle.
  10. Are there additional opportunities beyond the scholarship?
    Yes. This program is part of a broader effort to connect students to internships, fellowships, and career pathways in environmental justice.
  11. Who can we contact with questions?
    J. Howard airdistrictscholarship@baaqmd.gov

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Community Roots Scholarship, Diversity Equity and Inclusion

airdistrictscholarship@baaqmd.gov

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Last Updated: 7/22/2026