The School of Geography, Development & Environment wants to support its undergraduates, which is why we offer several scholarships and awards, given at the SGDE commencement and awards ceremony at the end of the fall and spring semesters.
University of Arizona Awards
Melvin E. Hecht Award
Awarded to a junior or senior for overall excellence in the School of Geography, Development & Environment, recognizing overall GPA and service to the School or community. The first faculty member who was trained as a geographer to be hired at the University of Arizona, Melvin E. Hecht was a kind and thoughtful man and a dedicated geographer who co-authored The Arizona Atlas and was an enthusiastic scholar of the Southwest.
John Buttery Award
Awarded for excellence in GIS and/or remote sensing, recognizing performance in related courses and service to the School or community. This award was established by John Buttery, a University of Arizona graduate who has been a pioneer in the application of GIS software and data.
SGDE Outstanding Urban & Regional Development, Food Studies, Environmental Studies Awards
Awarded for excellence in Regional Development, to include overall GPA and performance in related courses and service to the School or community.
George H. Amos Scholarships (application required)
Awarded to juniors or seniors with a keen interest in urban growth and development issues and a declared interest in pursuing a career in the field of real estate, with preference to those who have pursued an internship in the field. This scholarship is made in honor of George H. Amos, Sr., who served the Tucson Realty and Trust Company and the Tucson community for over 60 years. Applications for this competitive award are available in February.
Virginia and Mark H. Klafter Memorial Scholarships
Awarded to outstanding continuing juniors or seniors who are studying geography, urban planning, or real estate. This scholarship was established by the Tucson Chapter of the Appraisal Institute.
Travel Grants and Support for Study Abroad
Financial support to attend and present at professional conferences, designed to encourage undergraduate participation in regional and national conferences. SGDE students have been able to participate in the Association of Pacific Coast Geographers meeting in San Francisco and Flagstaff and at the Association of American Geographers meetings in New York City and Los Angeles. Both the APCG and the AAG offer their own financial awards to students presenting at the conferences as well as discounts to student volunteers.
Occasional -- SGDE Student Emergency Fund Application (for undergraduate majors)
Have you experienced an unexpected, temporary financial hardship due to challenges created by COVID-19? Are you considering withdrawing from the University because of that hardship? SGDE has established a fund to provide financial relief in support of our students, with up to $750 available per selected student. Call for applications are sent out periodically.