CSHEMA - Campus Safety, Health, and Environmental Management Association

Since 1977, the Campus Safety, Health and Environmental Management Association (CSHEMA) has sponsored an annual Scholarship Award Program to encourage the study of safety and environmental management and to promote careers in this field. This scholarship is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Fay Thompson.

Congratulations to the Recipients of the 2025 CSHEMA Scholarship:

Daxton Deleeuw
Utah Valley University

Audrey Mathews
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Citlali Solis
Oregon State University

Eligibility

The $3,000 scholarship is open to undergraduate students who:

• Are currently registered as a full-time student in a 4-year degree-granting course of study in an institution of higher education in North America
• Have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 and at least one full year of study remaining in their degree program
• Are enrolled in majors geared toward an Environmental Health & Safety career (such as, but not limited to, Environmental Science, Fire Protection, Health Physics, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Health, Safety, etc.)
• Complete the application form and submit all required documentation.

Application Requirements and Process

To be considered for the award, students must meet the following requirements:

1. Meet the above eligibility criteria.
2. Complete the application form.
3. Submit a current transcript with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5.
4. Write and submit a one-page essay (1" margins, single-spaced, 10 point font) relevant to the essay prompt. Must be an original essay and cannot use AI. References and/or citations must be included on a separate page.
5. Create a toolbox talk, on any topic, to support your essay. An example of a toolbox talk can be found here. Again, this must be an original and cannot use AI.

Essay Prompt

Safety training is often seen as a regulatory obligation, but effective safety leaders know it is a strategic investment that prevents incidents and strengthens culture. How can safety professionals design proactive training that demonstrates its long-term value? In your response, consider how tailoring content, delivery, and engagement strategies to different audiences using innovative or inclusive methods can enhance relevance, retention, and compliance. Include a sample toolbox talk that reflects these principles in practice.

SUBMIT HERE

Evaluation

Each application will be evaluated based on the applicant's eligibility, submission of required information, and essay composition. The evaluation form will be released when the application window is open.

Award Amount

One scholarship for $3,000 will be awarded to the qualifying applicant who submits the winning essay. The scholarship will be presented or announced at the CSHEMA Annual Conference in July. The winner will receive an invitation to attend the CSHEMA Annual Conference, with the cost of attendance (registration, hotel, and airfare) covered by CSHEMA.

Application Submission Period

The 2026 Submission period is now open: from November 3, 2025 - March 31, 2026.

Application and Essay Prompt

Essay Prompt

Safety training is often seen as a regulatory obligation, but effective safety leaders know it is a strategic investment that prevents incidents and strengthens culture. How can safety professionals design proactive training that demonstrates its long-term value? In your response, consider how tailoring content, delivery, and engagement strategies to different audiences using innovative or inclusive methods can enhance relevance, retention, and compliance. Include a sample toolbox talk that reflects these principles in practice.

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION, ESSAY, and TRANSCRIPT HERE