Your support helps NIU students gain hands-on experience in sustainability, energy, and environmental policy—preparing them to tackle real-world challenges.
Why Your Support Matters
Many of our students face financial barriers that limit their ability to:
- Study abroad and explore global sustainability solutions
- Complete hands-on capstone projects with local governments
- Lead campus sustainability initiatives and environmental research
- Engage in fieldwork and hands-on research at restoration sites and conservation projects
- Participate in sustainability-focused internships with local governments, nonprofits, and businesses
- Gain experience in environmental data analysis and GIS mapping to address climate resilience and urban planning
- Collaborate on student-led advocacy initiatives that promote climate action, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable food systems
Your donation removes these barriers and ensures all students have access to these transformative experiences.
Student Spotlight: Making a Difference Through Engaged Learning
Meet Shea Walter, Environmental Studies Major
"Because of donor support, I was able to travel to Mexico to learn about complex sustainability problems and adaptation strategies. This experience shaped my career goals and gave me real-world skills."
How Your Gift Makes an Impact
Your contribution directly supports student success! Here’s what your gift can do:
- $10 – Provides essential supplies for sustainability workshops
- $25 – Helps fund student transportation to local sustainability projects
- $50 – Provides materials for student-led sustainability projects
- $100 – Supports a student attending a professional sustainability conference
- $250 – Reduces summer tuition so students can intern instead of working full-time
- $500+ – Helps fund study abroad and field learning experiences
- $750 – Supports students in conducting original sustainability research
- $1,000 – Funds a student-faculty collaboration on community sustainability projects
- $2,500 – Sponsors a sustainability innovation challenge or hackathon
- $5,000+ – Creates a scholarship for students pursuing sustainability careers
More Ways to Get Involved
In addition to financial contributions, you can make an impact by engaging directly with students:
- Offer a Paid Internship – Give students hands-on experience in sustainability and energy
- Become a Mentor – Guide the next generation of environmental leaders
- Sponsor a Conference Trip – Help students connect with professionals in their field
- Collaborate on Student Projects – Work with NIU faculty and students to develop innovative sustainability solutions
- Host a Workshop or Guest Lecture – Share industry insights and career guidance with students
- Support Graduate Student Research – Provide funding for thesis and dissertation projects in sustainability
Interested? Contact us at ENVS@niu.edu to learn more!
Join us in shaping the future of sustainability. Every gift, no matter the size, helps our students succeed.
Thank you for your commitment to student success at the NIU Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability, and Energy!
Increase your impact with the Sustaining Student Success Challenge
The director for the Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability, and Energy (ESE), Thomas Skuzinski, wants to inspire gifts in support of ESE. When 5 gifts are made in support of ESE, it will unlock $100 of his gift. When 15 gifts are made in support of ESE, it will unlock $500 of his gift. And, when 25 gifts are made in support of ESE, it will unlock the entire $1000 of his gift.
