Future Energy Scholars
University Honors & Scholars
 What is a Future Energy Scholar?
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 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.
Future Energy Scholars focus on six integrated energy research areas:
“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
“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.”
The CLASS Framework
Coursework
- 12 academic credit hours of 4 global energy-focused courses
- Our suggested course energy-themed catalog can be found HERE
Leadership
- Host a conference, panel, guest speaker, or forum.
- Take leadership roles within the program and in organizations related to the future of energy on campus and beyond
Application
- Energy-related internship or co-op
- Research internship or fellowship
- Present research at conferences and symposiums
- Publish a paper or article
Synthesis
- Program leverages Mines’ technical expertise to understand future energy challenges.
- Scholars culminate their interdisciplinary experience with a research presentation or E-portfolio.Â
Story
- Scholars will apply a systems-thinking approach to their work in a sophisticated manner with stakeholders, energy experts, and policymakers in order to tell the complex story of our energy future.
Future Energy Scholars is a +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. Offering 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.
What Interdisciplinary Opportunities Does Future Energy Scholars Offer?
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 Global Energy Future Initiative (GEFI), the Payne Institute for Public Policy, and the U.S. Dept. of State’s Diplomacy Lab.
Apply Now!
Future Energy Scholars is now accepting applicants for the 2024-2025 scholars cohort!
12 Future Energy Scholars will be selected each year. Our scholars will have the opportunity to apply for an honors enrichment award up to $5000 that supports their development as student leaders. Scholars will participate in outreach and convening of stakeholders from industry, government and academia to influence and support global energy decision making. The program will build vertical integration and connectivity with scholars across the cohorts and with each group playing a mentorship role. Scholars will help lead the program, recruit new scholars, and participate in the application review. The program will leverage Mines’ broad technical and policy expertise throughout the energy system to develop a comprehensive understanding of future energy opportunities and challenges.
Scholars who complete all CLASS categories will graduate with honors, reflecting their high level of achievement. The program advisor(s) will meet regularly with students, support the synthesis of their co-curricular work with professional development, research, and communication workshops.