Scholarships
Unlock Your Potential
Our scholarship program is here to support students like you, who are driven by a desire to create eco-friendly solutions and harness the power of renewable resources.
The Department of Sustainable Biomaterials is more than just a place of learning; it’s a community of passionate individuals dedicated to making a positive impact on our planet. We understand the financial challenges that come with pursuing higher education, and we’re committed to easing that burden so you can focus on your studies and research. By investing in your future, we believe you will become a leader in sustainability and environmental stewardship, ready to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges with innovative and sustainable solutions.
How to Apply for Scholarships
Students may wish to apply for any of the scholarships the department offers below. Generally, all scholarship applications for the Department are due in our College of Natural Resources and Environment's (CNRE) Associate Dean's office prior to February 15.
Things to know before you apply
- You must be an incoming first-year student to the department or otherwise enrolled in one of the department's four-year degree programs.
- IMPORTANT: You may also wish to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form as in many cases the information on the form is required to determine eligibility for scholarships.
- Also please note, the FAFSA is available for completion on January 1 and must be submitted (with valid signatures) by Virginia Tech's March 1 priority deadline in order to be considered eligible for all types of aid.
- Remember, that for maximum scholarship and financial aid consideration, you must complete the FAFSA and the General Scholarship application by January 22, 2025.
List of Departmental Scholarships
Bryan W. Graeser Memorial Scholarship
Bryan Wingate Graeser was a student studying Wood Science and Forest Products when he died in 1998 from bone cancer. Hank and Peggy Graeser and family of Chester, Va., founded this scholarship in memory of Bryan. This scholarship was started in 1999 to assist other students in the department to realize their dreams. The Graesers hope that recipients will, in their own way, develop the qualities of perseverance, hope and thankfulness that Bryan showed in his short time at Virginia Tech.
Center For Forest Products Business Scholarship
A need-based scholarship seeking sophomores, juniors, and seniors in the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials with high academic achievement, demonstrated commitment to professional activities and engagement in the university community.
E. George and Marianne Stern and Jean Stern Fromberg Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is in memory of E. George Stern, Marianne Stern and Jean Stern Fromberg. Dr. Stern was the former director of the Sardo Pallet and Container Research Laboratory at Virginia Tech. The late Jean Fromberg was the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Marianne Stern. The scholarship was endowed by Mrs. Stern, the Stern family, and friends of the family. The scholarship is awarded to deserving students in the department based on academic performance, financial need, and professional promise.
G. Scott Francis Endowed Scholarship
G. Scott Francis was the founder and president of the Carolina Paper Board Company. He was a 1936 graduate of Virginia Tech from the Department of Dairy Science. The scholarship provides support in the areas of paper, fiber, recycling, packaging, and unit load research and education. This scholarship award is for undergraduate students enrolled in the College of Natural Resources and Environment. Recipients of this award shall demonstrate academic achievement, leadership qualities, and good character.
George B. and Mary Emma Ragsdale Scholarship
Awarded to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the College of Natural Resources and Environment. Based upon potential in, and interest in contributing to, the forest industry; academic achievement, extracurricular leadership, and community service.
Geza Ifju Scholarship in Wood Science & Forest Products
Dr. Geza Ifju was the founding department head of the Department of Wood Science and Forest Products. In his honor, this scholarship is awarded to graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in Virginia Tech's Department of Sustainable Biomaterials.
Morgan Lumber Company Team Management Scholarship
The scholarship was established by the management team of Morgan Lumber Company to assist with the cost of tuition to an outstanding student in the Sustainable Biomaterials. Recipient shall demonstrate good academic standing and financial need. Preference will be given to students from Charlotte County, VA and its surrounding counties in Virginia and North Carolina. Charlotte, Appomattox, Campbell, Pittsylvania, Halifax, Lunenburg, Meklenburg, Brunswick, Granville, Wake, Vance, Franklin, Durham, Warren, Person.
Pallet Alliance Tyson Steffens Memorial Scholarship - Operating
Awarded to one student pursuing PSD or SBIO who has aptitude and desire to work in the field of pallets and unit load design. Award can be renewed if they continue to qualify.
VFEF Morgan lumber Company Scholarship
Morgan Lumber Company is a privately held manufacturer of southern yellow pine lumber. The scholarship assists with the cost of tuition to an outstanding student in Wood Science and Forest Products. The recipient must have prior work experience, through a previous job, summer internship, or co-op. Preference will be given to students with experience in softwoods and solid wood products.
Victor Clay Barringer Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship is in honor of Victor Clay Barringer and given by Coastal Lumber Company, Inc., which he founded in 1937. Today it is one of the largest privately held forest products companies in the United States. Victor Barringer’s father, Paul B. Barringer, was President of Virginia Tech from 1907 to 1913. Coastal Lumber Company is now guided by Victor Barringer’s grandson, Victor C. Barringer II, President and CEO. This scholarship provides support to outstanding students in the Department and was the first to be endowed with the Center of Forest Products Marketing and Management.