Pastor. Professor. Paddler. Poet.

Dave Ellingson, a former professor at Trinity Lutheran College, is an author, speaker, teacher, pastor, and professional kayak paddler. He is best known for his Paddle Pilgrim books, including Paddle Pilgrim: Kayaking the Fjords of Norway and Paddle Pilgrim: Kayaking the Erie Canal and the Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty. Dave's next paddle adventure down the Mekong River through Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam will launch in March of 2023. For more information visit his website paddle-pilgrim.com.

Dave's strong faith and passionate devotion to God's creation have inspired admirers around the globe. His former students' and followers of his Paddle Pilgrim journeys began a scholarship fund in 2018 to help students gain the environmental education they'll need to impact their world. The scholarship officially launched in 2020.

"This scholarship will help prepare students to care for and tend our garden-planet so that it may be enjoyed by future generations. I wholeheartedly support this worthy cause!" Ciscoe Morris - Author, Master Gardener, TV Personality, and Speaker

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Podcasts & A Grizzly Bear

Dave's latest adventures include his Paddle Pilgrim Podcast and a children's book about a Grizzly bear appropriately named Grizz. The Paddle Pilgrim Podcast explores adventures in life, relationships, and the human spirit. There are more than 50 podcasts to choose from or binge on! Listen and follow Dave’s Podcast.

Grizz & His Friends, Dave's first adventure into the world of children's literature, is about Grizz, a big, old bear with lots of friends like Sally the Sparrow, Timothy Turtle, Pedro the Porcupine and Sylvia the Salmon. They live in a peaceful valley by a beautiful river flowing out of the mountains. Through their adventures they learn to work together to solve problems like hunger, loneliness, injury, an avalanche, a drought, and a flood. You can become one of Grizz’s friends on his exciting adventures. To purchase Dave's book visit Amazon Smile and choose Trinity Education Foundation as your charity of choice. You'll support Dave and give back to the Foundation all at the same time.

Overview

The Dave Ellingson Scholarship for Environmental Studies is a $5000 renewable scholarship for up to four years or a maximum of $20,000 (the maximum amount is determined based on the awardees enrollment status at the time the scholarship is awarded). The scholarship includes quarterly mentoring sessions with Dave Ellingson to discuss your spiritual and practical concerns and expand your knowledge of Creation Care based on Dave's extensive experience.

Additionally, we encourage scholars to apply for a volunteer position at beautiful Holden Village in the Cascade Mountains. Short-term volunteer opportunities include things like Kitchen Assistant, Lawn and Garden Assistant, Back-Up Medic, Store Assistant, Barista, etc. A short-term volunteer position allows you to choose a time that works best for you while also providing practical application of your studies in an environment where conscientious creation care is necessary for sustainability. The Foundation will provide the funds for your travel to and from the Village once you have been accepted as a volunteer.

Scholarships are paid directly to the college of choice and will be applied to tuition and related expenses.

Please note that students may receive only one scholarship at a time from the Foundation.

Eligibility

This scholarship is for any undergraduate student who:

1. Has a passion for the environment, and is pursuing or planning to pursue a major in this area.
2. Will be attending an accredited Christian college or university in the Northwest (WA, OR, ID, MT).
3. Has a high school or college GPA of at least 2.5 or have obtained the GED.
4. Has a declared major like Environmental Studies; Environmental Management & Policy; Environmental Science; Agricultural Engineering; Biology with an emphasis on the Environment; and Agribusiness. If you are not sure your major qualifies, please email us at the address below for review and clarification.

Your "Get Ready" Check List

Following are the items you'll need for your application. Please note: you are responsible for ensuring all aspects of your application are completed on time.

• PDF of your unofficial High School or college transcript or your GED Certificate.
• PDF of your College acceptance letter.
• PDF of any additional financial aid awards.
• PDF of your COA (Cost of Attendance)
• At least two references, including Name, Email, and Phone Number. One must be a teacher/advisor/professor and one must be a supervisor/leader where you work or volunteer. (e.g.: clergy, youth leader, local volunteer work, school club advisor, or a supervisor if you work while attending school.)
• Any additional documents you'd like to include (resume, peer-reviewed paper, award, etc.
• Be prepared to answer four 250 word maximum essay questions.

If you have questions please contact us at info@tef-lbi.org or begin the application process by following the Apply Now button.

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