Connie Burns Scholarship
GRC in partnership with SWANA Georgia Chapter, established the Connie Burns Scholarship Program dedicated to assisting and mentoring Georgia college and university students interested in a career path in recycling, composting, environmental practices, and sustainability.
Interested in applying for the scholarship? Submit your application today. Applications due September 10, 2025. Application guidelines and criteria provided below.
Background
Connie Burns, of Effingham County, GA was an active Georgia Recycling Coalition (GRC) member for several years and was renowned for her spirit, love of life and adventure, and her true understanding of and dedication to effective waste reduction and recycling practices. The solid waste and recycling community lost Connie to an unexpected death in August of 2012. Connie was active in Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), serving as the director of the group’s communication, education and marketing division. As a way to remember and honor her life and work, GRC in partnership with SWANA Georgia Chapter, established the Connie Burns Scholarship Program dedicated to assisting and mentoring Georgia college and university students interested in a career path in recycling, composting, environmental practices, and sustainability.
Scholarship(s) will be awarded annually, based on funds available, to one or more recipients ($500 each if two recipients), not to exceed $1,000 per individual. Candidates are eligible to reapply each year the scholarship is offered. Consecutive annual scholarship awards are possible but not guaranteed if applicant is a previous scholarship recipient.
The Georgia Recycling Coalition pledges to uphold the policy that all persons shall have equal access to this program, regardless of race, color, age, sex, marital or veteran status, creed, religion, or disability.
Application Criteria
A. Applicants must be currently enrolled in a Georgia college as an undergraduate or graduate student pursuing a degree in environmental science, engineering or other suitable major related to recycling, waste reduction, or environmental sustainability.
B. Must be enrolled at least part-time.
C. Applicant should be available, if possible, to attend the GRC Annual Conference to be held on October 27-29, 2025 at Jekyll Island (lodging, some meals, and conference registration will be provided through the GRC Connie Burns Scholarship Fund.)
Past Scholarship Recipients
2024
Susanna Berg, University of Georgia, Agriscience major
2023
Gracie Siniard, Kennesaw State University
2018
Shelby Snipes, Georgia College & State University
2017
Jake Hager, Berry College, Environmental Science
2016
Emma Brodzik, Georgia College & State University, Economics
2014
Emilee Poole, Kennesaw State University, Environmental Resource Science
2013
Kimberly J. Reeves, University of Georgia, Masters of Environmental Planning & Design
Kevin M. Cown, University of Georgia, Environmental Engineering