The 2026 application opens March 2.
Apply by March 31.
Explore, research, experience, become a sustainability leader
Dreaming of pursuing research, an internship, a study away program, or other experience focused on sustainability?
The Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation Prize for Bold Leadership in Sustainability provides funding to UNH undergraduate students eager to pursue a sustainability experience that will develop bold leadership skills and expand on the foundation of their classroom learning.
In spring 2026, three prizes of $2,500 each will be awarded. Students from all majors are encouraged to apply.
We are grateful to the Alnoba Lewis Family Foundation for creating this prize to support and develop future bold leaders.
Application opens: March 2, 2026
Application closes: March 31, 2026
Awardees notified: April 20, 2026
Questions? Contact El.Farrell@unh.edu
FAQs
Who is eligible to apply for the prize?
You must currently be:
- A full-time UNH undergraduate student (any major!)
- A New Hampshire resident
- Graduating December 2026 or later
What types of experiences are considered?
The Prize for Bold Leadership in Sustainability supports students eager to pursue an experience, research, internship, or study away program focused on sustainability.
Sustainability experiences could include, but are not limited to, attending EcoQuest in New Zealand or UNH-in-Italy, pursuing an independent research project, participating in faculty-led research, an internship/fellowship with a sustainability focus, or attending sustainability professional development activities.
How do I apply?
Start by writing your short essay (no longer than 500 words) – you will upload this document in the online application.
- At the top of your essay document list your first/last name and email address.
- Then describe why you are applying for this prize and how it will help you develop and deepen your sustainability leadership potential.
- At the bottom of your essay document, please list the name and email of one reference related to your proposed experience.
- Please name your document as follows: First Name_Last Name_AlnobaLewisPrize, you will be asked to upload your document (Word doc or PDF) in the online application.
Then complete the online application. Here's what you can expect:
- In the first section of the online application, you’ll complete information about yourself: contact info, major(s), grad year, etc.
- In the next section, you will be asked to confirm your eligibility and upload your essay document as a Word doc or PDF. 
- Please remember to name and save your document as follows before uploading:
First Name_Last Name_AlnobaLewisPrize
- Please remember to name and save your document as follows before uploading:
- Be sure to hit "Submit" to complete your application.
What are the expectations if I am awarded a prize?
- All awardees will be asked to submit a short video report about the use of their prize and how it helped develop and deepen your sustainability leadership journey.
- All awardees will be strongly encouraged to attend the Alnoba Leadership Awards Dinner in October 2026 in Kensington, NH.
Spring 2026 awardees may use funds during:
- Summer 2026
- Fall 2026
- Spring 2027 (excluding seniors graduating in December 2026)
How are the funds distributed?
To receive the award funding, students must first complete a short UNH vendor form, in which students can elect to have a check mailed to them or a direct transfer to a bank account. This form will be emailed to award recipients. After the vendor form is completed by the student and approved by UNH, a request for funding will be submitted through the UNH system. The full process can take several weeks for the funds to be distributed.
