As we wrap up another season of our Clean Energy Scholarship, let’s look back at our incredible winners from the spring of 2025!
Every year, we select two students from each of our partnered schools for an opportunity to earn a scholarship based on their academic focus and their future professional lives relating to clean, renewable energy and climate. Then, to crown the lucky winner, selected students compete in a final competition. The winner then takes home the $5,000 Clean Energy Scholarship prize.
let’s meet our 2025 Students
University of Nebraska-Omaha
Runner-up Valerie Dominguez is a Biology major at UNO. From participating in campus clean-up events and promoting recycling to conducting research on sustainable practices, she is committed to protecting our planet. Valerie’s efforts extend beyond campus, as she volunteers with local environmental organizations to restore natural habitats and support conservation.
Winner Ayva Swift, a Sophomore (Class of 2027) at UNO, follows Leave No Trace principles. She picks up litter wherever she goes, and chooses zero-waste and secondhand products whenever she can to reduce her impact. As an advocate for the outdoors, Ayva’s mission is to focus on her impact and what she can do to stop the harmful effects of plastic and waste on the Earth’s environment.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Jacklyn Alsbro, runner-up for the UW Madison Clean Energy Scholarship, is pursuing a Master’s in Public Affairs (Class of 2026) with a strong commitment to sustainability. She applies her environmental studies and sustainability background to daily life. As the energy analysis and policy graduate student representative, she organizes events and tours to educate future energy leaders. Passionate about low-carbon, community-centered solutions, Jacklyn strives to create a cleaner, more sustainable future for all.
Anika Klein, a Junior (Class of 2026) at UW-Madison, is the winner of the Clean Energy Scholarship. She is a Microbiology major dedicated to sustainability. She researches engineered microbes to create biodegradable plastic alternatives, reducing reliance on petroleum. As a Renewable Energy Research Intern at US Energy, Anika worked on improving renewable natural gas production. Through her innovative research, Anika is committed to advancing clean energy and a greener future.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Lauren McCormack, a Junior (Class of 2026) and runner-up for the University of Minnesota’s Clean Energy Scholarship, is passionate about keeping the environment clean and healthy. As an Environmental Science, Policy, and Management major, she actively supports the university’s sustainability initiatives, including composting, recycling, and waste reduction. She also embraces eco-friendly habits like biking, bussing, and walking while sharing her knowledge with others.
Malin Anderson, a Senior (Class of 2025) and Biology major, is the winner of the University of Minnesota’s Clean Energy Scholarship. She minimizes food waste, reduces carbon emissions by carpooling, and cuts plastic waste with reusable alternatives. Through mindful habits like recycling and conserving resources, Malin leads by example and inspires others to take action.
Creighton University
Runner-up Katie Rooney is a Senior (Class of 2025) studying Medical Anthropology at Creighton University. She leads sustainability efforts as GreenJays’ Communications Director and collaborates on environmental advocacy. Katie’s passion deepened during a Water Quality Service Trip to the Dominican Republic, where she improved access to clean water. She lives her values through daily eco-conscious choices.
The winner is Risa Carter, a Senior (Class of 2025) at Creighton University studying Nursing. She bridges environmental and human health through research and advocacy. With a background in environmental science and nursing, she promotes sustainability in healthcare. She reduces her carbon footprint daily and creates educational content to inspire action for a healthier planet.
Utah State University
Runner-up Remington Masten is a Senior (Class of 2025) at Utah State University. He is an environmental planning student committed to sustainability. Passionate about green transportation, he biked to school daily for two semesters to help combat Cache Valley’s air pollution. Remington’s dedication to clean energy and eco-friendly choices embodies the spirit of this scholarship.
USU’s winner, Sarah Ellis, a Sophomore (Class of 2027), is an Environmental Engineering Major. Through her environmental studies, she’s embraced eco-friendly habits—thrifting instead of buying new clothes and choosing public transportation, biking, or walking to improve air quality in Logan, UT. Sarah’s dedication to sustainability and drive to create change reflect the core values of this scholarship, inspiring hope for a cleaner, greener future.
Congratulations to this year’s Everlight Solar Clean Energy Scholarship winners! We’re grateful for all the passionate students who participated and shared their vision for a sustainable future. Check out everlightsolar.com/scholarship to see past competitions and winners!
Looking Forward
The Everlight Solar Clean Energy Scholarship is more than just financial support—it’s an investment in the future of sustainable innovation. By empowering passionate students, we’re helping to shape a world driven by clean, accessible, and efficient power. Whether pursuing a career in solar technology, environmental policy, or sustainable engineering, this scholarship is designed to support your journey. We’re excited to continue championing the next generation of clean energy leaders and look forward to seeing the bright minds who apply in 2026!
