Future Energy Scholars
University Honors & Scholars
Do you want to make an impact on the most complex challenge the world has ever faced?
How do we provide enough energy to satisfy demand, growth, and bring billions out of poverty, while also reducing global greenhouse gas emissions to avoid a climate catastrophe? Popular media has framed this as a binary choice, but the reality is much more nuanced. As a prospective Mines graduate, you will need to understand the complexity of this energy challenge, and how the technical and engineering issues of our future energy system will be impacted by resources, economics, regulation, policies and most importantly, people. Be one of the Future Energy Scholars poised to make a difference as you learn a systems approach to energy action and develop the skills to become an energy leader. Scholars will experience a comprehensive approach to energy through our CLASS Framework that combines coursework, leadership and professional development, and student driven development of knowledge and skills through research, projects, internships, and other opportunities.
The latest episode of the
Energy is Everything
podcast is out now!
Future Energy Scholars is a Mines+ Pathway of Distinction:
The Future Energy Scholars program is an academic pathway of distinction for undergraduate students that focuses on big-picture social and technical issues in energy and environment. The program offers complementary co-curricular activities that foster leadership and communication skills, engaged research experiences, and project-based learning around the theme of our global energy future.
Our scholars will take courses that are built around engineering, technology, policy, leadership, communication, and diplomacy in global energy issues. They’ll also gain hands-on, project-based experience through opportunities such as internships, Innov8x, Undergraduate Research, and partnerships with the Payne Institute for Public Policy and the Mines Energy Advisory Board.
12 Future Energy Scholars will be selected each year. Scholars will have the opportunities to:        Â
- leverage Mines’ broad technical and policy expertise throughout the energy system to help them develop a comprehensive understanding of future energy opportunities and challenges.
- apply for honors enrichment awards of up to $5000 per year that supports their development as future energy leaders.
- participate in outreach and convenings of stakeholders from industry, government and academia as they learn how to influence and support global energy decision making.
- build community and connectivity with scholars across the cohorts through mentoring each other, participating in scholar meetings and helping lead the program.
- recruit new scholars and participate in the application review.
“The energy scholars program is an ideal way to get better acquainted with the difficult societal trade-offs presented by energy transitions. It offers students access to some of the finest thinkers in the world on a diverse set of complex topics with a focus that is fundamentally solutions-oriented.”Â
Ensuring the Future of Energy!
“When I came to Mines, I knew I wanted to make a difference for our energy future. My classes have helped me understand the complexities of our energy system, I realize majoring in petroleum engineering with a minor in geological engineering I’ll play a significant role in the energy transformation needed to combat climate change.”
– Ella Malm, Future Energy Scholar
Your engagement and support matters for students like Ella.
Are you a Mines alumnus or a community member invested in our future leaders, innovators, and researchers? Give the gift of your time and expertise and become a mentor. Reach out to Prof. Toni Lefton, tlefton@mines.edu to get connected with a scholar and support their pathway to leadership.
