Clean Fuels Foundation accepting applications for Beth Calabotta Sustainability Education Grant

The Clean Fuels Alliance Foundation is now accepting applications for the Beth Calabotta Sustainability Education Grant.

Established in 2018, the grant aims to support student scientists dedicated to sustainable research, offering a $3,000 award to a deserving recipient.

Applicants can highlight their work in areas like biodiesel and renewable diesel research, development of feedstock and fuel production, sustainability engineering, product lifecycle assessment, industrial ecology and general energy studies.

Over the years, the grant has grown into an important workforce development tool by helping prepare students to step into new roles in a highly competitive workforce while strengthening innovation in the biodiesel and agriculture industries.

“The foundation’s grant allowed me to network with leading industry professionals at the forefront of advancing low-carbon clean fuels and gave me the opportunity to explore this work as my potential career,” said Courtney Videchak, the 2025 recipient.

“After attending the Sustainability Workshop and completing my Ph.D. earlier this year, I decided to join the team at MARC-IV Consulting in their efforts to accelerate the adoption of clean fuels as a diesel engine and low-carbon fuels integration specialist,” she added.

Colin Huwyler, the president of Optimus Technologies and chair of the foundation’s scholarship committee, said, “Developing the next generation of talent and advancing clean technologies go hand in hand. This grant not only supports students pursuing groundbreaking research but also ensures that their skills are aligned with the future direction of our industry.”

To qualify for the grant, students must be a U.S. citizen and provide two references when completing the application on the foundation website.

If selected, the recipient must commit to participating in Clean Fuels Alliance America’s Sustainability Workshop scheduled for April 27-29, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri.

Grant funds should be utilized for travel and attending the workshop, with the remaining funds applied to academic expenses.

“We encourage all passionate student scientists interested in sustainability to apply for this unique opportunity,” the foundation stated.

The deadline for applications is Jan. 16 and the winner will be announced in February.