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
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! Click here to 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. Click here to purchase Dave's book on 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.
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. Trinity Education Foundation will provide additional financial support for travel arrangements to and from Holden Village.
We will award TWO scholarships in 2022.
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.
