2026 Campus Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA) Scholarship

Eligibility
The $3,000 scholarship is open to undergraduate students who:

Are currently registered as a full-time student in a 4-year degree-granting course of study in an institution of higher education in North America
Have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 and at least one full year of study remaining in their degree program
Are enrolled in majors geared toward an Environmental Health & Safety career (such as, but not limited to, Environmental Science, Fire Protection, Health Physics, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Health, Safety, etc.)
Complete the application form and submit all required documentation.

Application Requirements and Process
To be considered for the award, students must meet the following requirements:

Meet the above eligibility criteria.
Complete the application form.
Submit a current transcript with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5.
Write and submit a one-page essay (1" margins, single-spaced, 10 point font) relevant to the essay prompt. Must be an original essay and cannot use AI. References and/or citations must be included on a separate page.
Create a toolbox talk, on any topic, to support your essay. An example of a toolbox talk can be found here. Again, this must be an original and cannot use AI.
Essay Prompt

Safety training is often seen as a regulatory obligation, but effective safety leaders know it is a strategic investment that prevents incidents and strengthens culture. How can safety professionals design proactive training that demonstrates its long-term value? In your response, consider how tailoring content, delivery, and engagement strategies to different audiences using innovative or inclusive methods can enhance relevance, retention, and compliance. Include a sample toolbox talk that reflects these principles in practice.

SUBMIT HERE

Evaluation
Each application will be evaluated based on the applicant’s eligibility, submission of required information, and essay composition. The evaluation form will be released when the application window is open.

Awards and Amounts for 2026
• Dr. Fay Thompson Memorial Scholarship, sponsored by Safety Stratus for $3,000 will be awarded to the qualifying applicant who submits the winning essay. This winner will receive an invitation to attend the CSHEMA Annual Conference, with the cost of attendance (registration, hotel, and airfare) covered by CSHEMA.
• CSHEMA Scholarship sponsored by Safety Stratus for $3,000. This winner will be offered free conference registration without travel reimbursement.
• CSHEMA Scholarship for $3,000. This winner will be offered free conference registration without travel reimbursement

The scholarships will be presented or announced at the CSHEMA Annual Conference in July. All winners will receive an invitation to attend the CSHEMA Annual Conference, Details for invitation offerings are detailed in the scholarships listed above

Application Submission Period
The 2026 Submission period is now open: from November 3, 2025 – March 31, 2026.

Application and Essay Prompt
Essay Prompt

Safety training is often seen as a regulatory obligation, but effective safety leaders know it is a strategic investment that prevents incidents and strengthens culture. How can safety professionals design proactive training that demonstrates its long-term value? In your response, consider how tailoring content, delivery, and engagement strategies to different audiences using innovative or inclusive methods can enhance relevance, retention, and compliance. Include a sample toolbox talk that reflects these principles in practice.