MREA Clean Energy Scholarship

In honor of Steve Hansen

Since 2006, the MREA has provided scholarships to support students pursuing careers in clean energy. In honor of Steve Hansen, a brilliant educator who taught thousands of students in Wisconsin about the importance of renewable energy and environmental sustainability, the Clean Energy Scholarship Fund was established to help the next generation carry on his important work. It is designed to assist students who are pursuing degrees and/or relevant credentials in renewable energy, energy efficiency, or clean technology.

Scholarship Guidelines

Scholarships are awarded to students who reside in the Midwest (WI, MN, MI, IA, IL, IN, OH, MO). Students should possess a clear goal of desiring to make her or his community, environment, or world a better and more sustainable place to live. Students should be able to show prior interest and/or education in the field. Criteria for awarding scholarships are based on student motivation, enthusiasm, and commitment. GPA and scholarship will be considered, but are not the deciding factor. High school students, college students, and non-traditional students are invited to apply. Scholarships are typically set at $500.

Application Process

To apply for the scholarship, please fill out our Scholarship Application Form. Applications are due to the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) by April 15 of each year.

For more information, contact info@midwestrenew.org.

Application Form

2017 Recipients

Leah Bectel, Michigan Technological University

Leah Bectel is entering her junior year at Michigan Technological University in the fall. She is studying Environmental Engineering as well as minoring in Municipal Engineering and German. She is from Hudsonville, MI and enjoys gardening, reading, collecting antiques, and anything about old homes and architecture. After completing her undergraduate degree, she hopes to pursue a Master’s in Civil Engineering and use her degrees to improve Michigan’s infrastructure and consequently Michigan citizens’ lives.

Zachary Koop, University of Minnesota at Duluth/University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Zachary Koop is a senior dual-degree student earning a B.S. in Electrical Engineering (UM-Duluth), and a B.S. in Physics (UW-La Crosse). Koop’s passion for renewable energies stems from his childhood narrative growing up in energy poverty raised by his single mother. Koop has developed over 1.5 Mega-watts of solar with the Rural Renewable Energy Alliance, performed world-leading research on III-V solar cells at the National Renewable Energy Lab, and studied socioeconomic policy and law through a national fellowship with YP4. His future includes a progressive career in policy and law, and pushing the solar industry forward to create Midwest manufacturing jobs and alleviate the effects of poverty and inequality.

Kristy Medo, University of Wisconsin Stevens Point

Kristy Medo is a native of Wisconsin presently attending the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point majoring in environmental ethics and minoring in sustainable energy. She’s spending the summer in one of her favorite cities, Des Moines Iowa, where she is working as a Solar PV system sales and installation assistant for Greenlight Renewable Services. Kristy spent the past 11 years successfully developing numerous businesses in the fields of wellness and real estate while her love for the nature beckoned her inner nomad. She sold all of her businesses and property to pursue a meaningful life of travel and volunteering in the fields of avian rehabilitation and social justice programs. She is excited to be a part of the renewable energy industry and intends to keep on educating people about its value.

Support the Clean Energy Scholarship Fund

To date, the Clean Energy Scholarship has contributed $16,000 to 31 future sustainability innovators. It is funded solely by donations given by our generous donors, members, and supporters, like you. To make a contribution to this fund please visit our Donation Page. Your gift, in any amount, will make a lasting impression on future generations and assist them in pursuing careers that grow the clean energy industry and protect the environment. We appreciate your support.

Contribute to the Scholarship Fund

Past Recipients

2016 – Wisconsin Farmers Union Camp Staff

2016 – Tracey Tyler, Wisconsin Technical College, Solar Energy Technologies and Energy Management

2016 – Lee Gill, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Electrical Engineering

2015 – Wisconsin Farmers Union Camp Staff

2015 – Reva Ogle, Ball State University, Architecture

2015 – Caitlyn Joseph, Tufts University, MS Agriculture, Food, & Environment

2014 – Brock Rainville, Mid-State Technical College, Renewable Energy Specialist

2014 – Jenny Haywood, Colby Community College, Sustainable and Renewable Energy

2013 – Adam Rutkowski, Carleton College, Physics

2013 – Chelsea Johnson, Lawrence University, Environmental Studies & English

2013 – Tyler Anderson, Madison College & Iowa Wesleyan College, Renewable Energy & Business Adminsitration

2012 – Kira Minehart, Standford University, Energy Resources Engineering

2012 – Alix Kermes, University of Florida, Sustainability & Spanish

2012 – Leah Jaynes, Northland College, Environmental Engineering

2011 – Jennifer Pietz, UW-Milwaukee, Atmospheric Sciences

2011 – Will Meadows, Lawrence University, Environmental Studies

2011 – Brad Willems, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, Urban Geography

2011 – Tamas Peterson, St. Olaf, Math, Physics & Computer Science

2010 – Geoffrey Cushman, Madison College, Electrical Engineering Technology

2010 – Emily Campion, Illinois State, Renewable Energy

2010 – Mashebe Subulwa, Mid-State Technical College, Renewable Energy Technician

2009 – Lauren Knapp, Illinois State University, Renewable Energy

2009 – Holden Flaig, Mid-State Technical College, Renewable Energy Technician

2008 – Jesse Brewmer, Iowa Lakes Community College, Wind Energy & Turbine Technology

2008 – Marcus Grignon, College of Menominee Nation, Sustainable Development & Tribal Legal Studies

2008 – Justin Presny, University of Wisconsin – Green Bay, Environmental Science

2007 – Sydney Nick, Alleghny College, PA

2007 – Anthony Roeschlein, Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Wind Energy Technician

2006 – Sienna Lang, Wausau East High School