Sustainability Champions Abroad Learning Experience (SCALE)
Authentica SCALE Scholars Application Process
Sustainability Champions Abroad Learning Experience (SCALE)
All applicants must be accepted into an Authentica Standard Program and apply by the stated deadline. Awards are merit-based with a focus on sustainability, leadership, and impact.
Scholarship Types
🏔️ Tier 1: Summit Scholar
Award: 100% of Program Fee
Nickname: “Reaching the peak of impact”
Spots per Term: 1–2 students
Selection Criteria
- Strong alignment with Authentica’s sustainability mission
- Demonstrated leadership and initiative
- Significant financial need
- Proof of meaningful sustainability action
Required Materials
- Personal Statement (1000 words)
- Prompt – Tell us about a time when you took action to address a sustainability-related issue—big or small—in your community, school, or personal life.
- What motivated you, what did you do, and what impact did it have?
- How will this experience shape how you engage with your Authentica program and contribute as a Summit Scholar
- Video Pitch (1–2 minutes)
- Prompt – Why you? Why now?
- Tell us why you’re the right person for this opportunity—and why this moment matters. Share your passion, your purpose, and what becoming a Summit Scholar would mean to you.
- Feel free to be creative but keep it authentic. Speak from the heart.
- Prompt – Why you? Why now?
- Proof of Sustainability Action (photos, links, flyers, etc.)
- Resume/CV
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
- Financial Aid Documentation
Selection Process
- Review Committee Scoring
- Shortlist + Live 30 Min. Interview
- Final Selection + Notification
Post-Award Commitments
- Pre-departure leadership orientation
- Sustainability project during program
- 2 social/blog contributions
- 3–5 min reflection story/video post-program
- Serve as Insider/Mentor
Scholarship Application Rubric
Category | Criteria | Points |
|---|---|---|
Personal Statement | Demonstrates meaningful sustainability action, reflection, and connection to program goals | /20 |
Video Pitch | Clarity, authenticity, passion, and alignment with “Why you, why now?” | /15 |
Proof of Action | Quality and credibility of supporting materials | /10 |
Resume/CV | Relevant leadership/initiative experience | /10 |
Letters of Recommendation | Strong endorsements and alignment with values | /10 |
Financial Need | Demonstrated significant need through documentation | /15 |
Interview (if applicable) | Articulates vision, motivation, and commitment | /20 |
TOTAL | /100 |
Interview Rubric
Category | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
Passion & Motivation | Genuine enthusiasm and alignment with Authentica’s mission and values | /4 |
Leadership & Initiative | Demonstrates initiative or past leadership in any setting | /4 |
Sustainability Understanding | Shows insight into sustainability and its personal or global relevance | /4 |
Communication Skills | Clarity, confidence, and authenticity in expression | /4 |
Program Fit & Future Contribution | Describes how they will engage with the program and contribute as a scholar | /4 |
TOTAL | /20 |
⚡ Tier 2: Catalyst Scholar
Award: 50% of Program Fee
Nickname: “Sparking transformative change”
Spots per Term: 1–2 students
Selection Criteria
- Strong interest and emerging leadership in sustainability or social impact
- Demonstrated initiative (e.g., project participation, volunteer work, campus activism)
- Moderate to high financial need
- Clear articulation of how study abroad will amplify their impact
Required Materials
- Short Essay (750 words)
- Prompt – Tell us about a sustainability-related initiative you’ve been involved in—this could be in your community, on campus, or online. What was your role? What did you learn? And how would this experience inform your contributions while abroad?
- Video Pitch (1 minute max)
- Prompt – Why you? Why now?
- Tell us why you’re the right person for this opportunity—and why this moment matters. Share your passion, your purpose, and what becoming a Summit Scholar would mean to you.
- Prompt – Why you? Why now?
- Supporting Evidence of Action (photos, links, flyers, etc.)
- Resume or CV
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
- Financial Documentation (Encouraged)
Selection Process
- Reviewed and scored by the selection committee
- Top candidates may be invited for a short virtual interview (10 minutes)
- 1–2 scholars selected per term
- Strong candidates not selected may be offered Momentum or Spark awards
Post-Award Commitments
- Complete one sustainability reflection project during the program (options: blog, short video, photo essay)
- Submit a final reflection (500-word blog OR 2-minute video) post-program
- Participate in at least one Scholar Circle discussion during or after the program
- Optional: Nominate and mentor a future applicant
Scholarship Application Rubric
Category | Criteria | Points |
|---|---|---|
Short Essay | Clear initiative, learning, and future impact potential | /20 |
Video Pitch | Passion, clarity, and purpose | /15 |
Proof of Action | Quality and relevance | /10 |
Resume/CV | Demonstrates involvement and leadership | /10 |
Letters of Recommendation | Alignment with applicant strengths | /10 |
Financial Need | Moderate to high, clearly demonstrated | /10 |
Interview (if applicable) | Persuasive, thoughtful, and mission-aligned | /15 |
TOTAL | /90 |
Interview Rubric
Category | Description | Points |
|---|---|---|
Passion & Motivation | Genuine enthusiasm and alignment with Authentica’s mission and values | /4 |
Leadership & Initiative | Demonstrates initiative or past leadership in any setting | /4 |
Sustainability Understanding | Shows insight into sustainability and its personal or global relevance | /4 |
Communication Skills | Clarity, confidence, and authenticity in expression | /4 |
Program Fit & Future Contribution | Describes how they will engage with the program and contribute as a scholar | /4 |
TOTAL | /20 |
🚀 Tier 3: Momentum Scholar
Award: 25% of Program Fee
Nickname: “Building unstoppable progress”
Spots per Term: 1–2 students
Selection Criteria
- Expressed interest in learning more about sustainability
- Willingness to engage and grow
- Some prior experience required
Required Materials
- Short Response (400–500 words)
- Prompt – What does sustainability mean to you, and why are you interested in exploring it through study abroad?
- You don’t need to be an expert—we’re looking for curiosity, openness, and a willingness to learn.
- Supporting Evidence of Action (photos, links, flyers, etc.)
- Video Pitch (1 minute max)
- Prompt – Why you? Why now?
- Tell us why you’re the right person for this opportunity—and why this moment matters. Share your passion, your purpose, and what becoming a Summit Scholar would mean to you.
- Prompt – Why you? Why now?
- Resume (basic, can include informal roles or classwork)
- Letter of Recommendation
- No financial documentation required (but optional)
Selection Process
- Rolling review
- Priority given to applicants from underrepresented backgrounds
- Up to 1-2 recipients per term
Post-Award Commitments
- Submit a reflection paragraph or visual (photo, short caption) post-program
- Optional: attend one Scholar Circle during or after the program
Scholarship Application Rubric
Category | Criteria | Points |
|---|---|---|
Short Essay | Genuine interest, curiosity, and reflection | /20 |
Video Pitch | Enthusiasm and clarity | /10 |
Proof of Action | Some relevant experience shared | /10 |
Resume/CV | Demonstrates involvement and leadership | /10 |
Letters of Recommendation | Confirms interest and initiative | /10 |
TOTAL | /60 |
💡 Tier 4: Spark Scholar
Award: $100–$200 credit toward program fees
Nickname: “Seed Impact Awards”
Spots per Term: Up to 10 students
Selection Criteria
- Some sustainability experience required
- Expressed interest in learning more about sustainability
- Willingness to engage and grow
Required Materials
- Short Response (150–200 words)
- Prompt – What’s one thing you’re curious about when it comes to sustainability or global learning—and how do you hope studying abroad can help you explore it?
Selection Process
- Rolling review
- Priority given to applicants from underrepresented backgrounds
- Up to 10 recipients per term
Post-Award Commitments
- Submit 1 visual or short written reflection during or after the program (e.g., photo with caption, short quote, or mini blog post)
- Optional: Share one tip or insight for future students on your campus
Scholarship Application Rubric
Category | Criteria | Points |
|---|---|---|
Short Response | Demonstrates curiosity and sincere interest | /15 |
Proof of Action | (Optional but valued) Demonstrates initiative | /5 |
TOTAL | /20 |
Authentica SCALE Scholars Program: Terms and Conditions
- Applicants must be accepted into an Authentica Standard Program.
- All materials must be submitted by the stated deadline.
- Awards are contingent upon full participation in the selected program and completion of all commitments.
- Awards may only be applied to Authentica program fees.
- Summit, Catalyst, and Momentum awards cover a % of program fees. Spark Scholars receive a set amount.
- Awards are not redeemable for cash or transferable to other individuals or terms.
- All applications will be reviewed by a scholarship committee using standardized rubrics.
- Finalists may be invited for interviews.
- Awardees will be notified via email by the decision date listed on the application timeline.
All awardees agree to:
- Complete pre-departure requirements.
- Participate in sustainability-related programming or reflective projects as outlined in the award level.
- Submit any deliverables (videos, blog posts, photos) by deadlines provided post-selection.
- Act as a Scholar Ambassador and/or mentor to future applicants if selected.
- Required for Summit applicants and encouraged for Catalyst applicants.
- Documentation is confidential and used solely to assess eligibility.
- By submitting application materials, you grant Authentica permission to feature your scholarship materials (written or visual) for promotional purposes with your consent.
- Authentica reserves the right to rescind any award if:
- A student fails to complete program requirements.
- False or misleading information is discovered in the application.
- Post-award commitments are not fulfilled.
- For any questions about this policy or your application, please contact: scholarships@authentica.com
Scholarship Deadlines
Term | Dates |
|---|---|
Spring | 12/1 |
Summer | 4/15 |
Fall | 5/15 |
Apply for the SCALE Scholars Program
This form is your first step. By submitting this form, you’re signaling your interest for consideration for one of scholarships. Full application materials (essay, video, etc.) will be submitted at a later stage.