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. Before the pandemic of 2020, Dave was preparing for his next big kayaking adventure down the Mekong River.

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 new 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 latest book and 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 Dav'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.

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2021 Announcement

The Dave Ellingson Scholarship for Environmental Studies is now a renewable scholarship at $5,000 per year for up to four years or a maximum of $20,000 (the maximum will vary depending on the awardees enrollment status). Awardees also receive one-on-one mentoring with Dave Ellingson while they are in school. Additionally, we invite scholars to gain practical experience through volunteerism at beautiful Holden Village in the Cascade Mountains. Holden Village is a community that cultivates a more just, sustainable, and compassionate world. Trinity Education Foundation will provide additional financial support for travel arrangements to and from Holden Village.

We will award TWO scholarships in 2022.

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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.

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Eligibility

This scholarship is for undergraduate students who:

• Have a passion for environmental issues, and plan to pursue a major in this area.
• Will be attending an accredited Christian college or university in the Northwest (WA, OR, ID, MT).
• Have a high school or college GPA of at least 2.5 or have passed the GED and are planning to attend an approved college.
• Degree majors include but are not limited to 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.

Preparing to Apply

Following is the checklist of 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 High School transcripts if you are currently a High School student. If you are not in High School, a PDF of your Diploma or GED Certificate.
• PDF of your College acceptance letter.
• PDF of your unofficial transcripts if you are already attending college.
• PDF of any additional financial aid awards.
• The name and email of at least one teacher/advisor to provide a recommendation regarding your academic performance.
• The name and email of at least one leader to provide a recommendation regarding your volunteer/service work. (e.g.: clergy, youth leader, local volunteer work, school club advisor, or a supervisor if you work while attending school.)
• Be prepared to answer several essay questions including a 350-word essay describing the circumstances of your financial need.

‍Questions? Contact us at info@tef-lbi.org.

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