past scholarship & grant recipients

The Scholarship and Grant Committee is excited to announce our three 2025 Small Grants recipients, offering $6,050 in total support to organizations or programs that address local environmental needs. We also prioritize projects that encourage girls and women in the sciences, engineering, and environmental fields.

This summer, Scouting America, Minsi Trails Council, is launching career-exploration opportunities at leading regional employers -referred to as "Exploring Posts". With funding provided by SWEP GP, the first 50 young women who enroll will receive full membership coverage, granting them access to extended mentorship and hands-on learning experiences with female role models in engineering, sustainability, and environmental science fields. These experiences are specifically designed to close gender gaps in STEM and inspire long-term engagement in these fields. These programs provide more than just access—they offer mentorship, transportation, program materials, and real-world experiences with female professionals. We wish the Scouting America, Minsi Trails Council, successful application of this summer program Learn more and get involved at https://minsitrails.org/

We’re proud to share that The Rail Park has been awarded a 2025 grant to support their vision of transforming a historic railway into a vibrant, three-mile linear park that connects Philadelphians to each other and to the city’s natural and cultural heritage. This grant will fund a new initiative focused on environmental justice, ecological education, and community empowerment, including: A day-long ecological exploration through undeveloped sections of the park, from the Vine Street Expressway to the "Phase One" portion of the park; Hands-on learning about Philadelphia’s environmental justice history and its impact on local neighborhoods; Skill-building in plant health surveying, ecological data collection, and urban research; and A focus on empowering women to lead in their communities’ ecological health and sustainability. This project addresses long-standing public health inequities—such as limited green space and the urban heat island effect—while creating inclusive opportunities for residents to engage with and shape their environment. As The Rail Park continues to develop portions of the park "The Viaduct", "The Cut", and "The Tunnel", this initiative brings them one step closer to realizing their full vision: a three-mile greenway that enriches the health, culture, and ecology of Philadelphia. Learn more and get involved at https://www.therailpark.org/

We’re excited to share that Abundant Philly has been awarded a 2025 grant to support the launch of the High School Girls Garden Club, a new initiative that brings together youth, elders, and green space in a powerful model of community-led environmental education. Located at the Organic Gardens at Manatawna Farm—a 5-acre community gardening space stewarded by Abundant Philly—this program will engage female students in grades 10–12 from one of Philadelphia’s premiere environmental science high schools. Despite the school’s proximity, students have historically had limited access to the gardens and surrounding wildlife refuge. This program will: Provide hands-on gardening experience and environmental science education; Foster mentorship between students and the 100+ household gardening community; Offer technical support, shared resources, and leadership development; and Address environmental justice by promoting access to green space and intergenerational learning. At Abundant Philly, they believe in cultivating leaders and stewarding green spaces to promote well-being, inclusivity, and thoughtful growth. This grant will bring them one step closer to building a more abundant Philadelphia. Learn more and support their work at https://abundantphilly.com/

These selected grant recipients will be honored at our annual Touchstone Gala, where they will have the opportunity to showcase their completed projects. For further details on how to apply for our 2026 application process and for selection criteria, please visit our Grant Tab.

SWEP of Greater Philadelphia is excited to announce the winners of this year’s scholarship! We had many impressive applicants, but after much deliberation, we were able to select 3 extraordinary candidates.

The first recipient of the graduate scholarship is Leila Kelly.

Leila is pursuing a master’s in sustainable engineering at Villanova. She works as a graduate research assistant in the Villanova Center for Resilient Water Systems. Leila is currently studying the carbon sequestration capacity of Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) sites. She has been involved in carbon capture projects for over 2 years, having interned at the University of Tennessee and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to research carbonated concrete and CO2 mineralization. Originally from Colorado, Leila received her bachelor’s in environmental engineering from Mercer University, where she researched biofuel production from food waste. Leila is pursuing a professional engineering license and hopes to work as a water resources engineer after graduation.

The second recipient of the graduate scholarship is Jocelyn Geoghegan.

Jocelyn is pursuing a master’s in environmental studies with a concentration in corporate sustainability at UPenn. Her capstone focuses on packaging waste reduction strategies in the beauty industry. She received a bachelor’s degree in natural resources/environmental science and a minor in agricultural economics from the University of Kentucky. While in school, Jocelyn works as an analyst in the Product Stewardship & Sustainability department at Inolex, a personal care product manufacturer that champions sustainable ingredients. At Inolex, she manages the supply chain by reviewing product sourcing and assesses agricultural feedstock projects by evaluating them based on environmental and social criteria. She hopes to utilize her degree to promote the development of responsible supply chains and sustainable product design within the cosmetic manufacturing industry.

The recipient of the undergraduate scholarship is Nicole Bowen.

Nicole is studying environmental science at Saint Joseph’s University and plans to graduate with her bachelor’s in 2026. In her junior year, Nicole researched Saint Joseph’s Hawk Hill campus’s carbon footprint by assessing the school’s energy usage with the Sustainability Indicator Management and Analysis Platform. Apart from research, Nicole is an active member of her SJU community and serves as the Community Garden Associate Coordinator, the Student University Leader at the Ignatian Justice Summit, a scholar of the John P McNulty Scholarship/Leadership Program for Women in STEM, a member of the Green Fund for Environmental and Sustainability Action, and an EcoFellow with the Institute for Environmental Stewardship. After graduation, Nicole hopes to work as a sustainability consultant.

We are proud to support Leila, Jocelyn, and Nicole’s careers in the environmental field. We welcome these commendable women to our SWEP community!

Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center (FWWIC) was awarded funding to support their summer program, "Exploring and Kayaking in Our Urban Watershed!" Two sessions were held which combined hands-on science and nature-based activities and kayaking on the Schuylkill River. FWWIC is a cornerstone of environmental education in Philadelphia that is celebrating their 21st anniversary. Designed for young female students, these sessions cultivated environmental stewardship and inspired interest in STEM disciplines, all while fostering a deeper connection to Philadelphia’s natural resources. 

Berks Nature's “Think Like a Citizen Scientist” Girl Scout Journey integrates the NASA GLOBE Program through hands-on local investigations, participants engage in five core scientific fields: atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, pedosphere (soil), and Earth systems. These observations, submitted to the GLOBE system, not only contribute to a global database monitored by NASA and NOAA but also allow participants to play an active role in advancing environmental science.

Ms. Ashley Choi is currently pursuing a Master of Environmental Studies at the University of Pennsylvania, with an expected graduation in May 2025. Her impressive journey includes serving as an ESG Content Fellow for Nasdaq and contributing her expertise as a researcher at the ESG Initiative at Wharton.

Ashley’s passion for sustainability, coupled with her background in financial services, positions her perfectly to bridge the gap between finance and environmental impact. Her ambition to advance a career in sustainable finance aligns seamlessly with our scholarship’s mission to support emerging leaders in the environmental field.

Please join us in congratulating Ashley Choi on this well-deserved recognition! We are excited to see the incredible contributions she will make to sustainable finance and beyond!

Ms. Lily Kelleher is currently pursuing a Master’s in Biology at West Chester University, with an expected graduation in Spring 2025. Her research work is nothing short of remarkable, encompassing conservation biology projects such as studying root soil microbe diversity, the gliding abilities of rainforest lizards in Peru, and the effects of global climate change on microbiomes for her master’s thesis.

With her sights set on pursuing a PhD in Ecology, Lily’s dedication to advancing our understanding of conservation and ecological impacts is truly inspiring.

Join us in congratulating Lily Kelleher for her outstanding achievements and future contributions to the field of conservation biology!

Rachel Roday

Rachel is currently in the final year of her Master's of Science in Marine BioSciences at the University of Delaware.

Ms. Roday embarked on her master's program following the completion of two B.S. degrees in Marine Science and Biology in just four years, all while being part of UDEL's Honors Program. For her graduate research, Rachel is involved in an exciting project, tagging American shad in the Brandywine River with acoustic transmitters and tracking their movements in the Delaware River and Atlantic Ocean to determine their habitat use post-dam removal. Her work has a real impact as she communicates her findings to various stakeholders, including local anglers, Delaware residents, state agencies (DNREC), and non-profit organizations (BRRT).

Kisha Grady

Kisha is currently pursuing her doctorate in Public Health at Johns Hopkins University's Bloomberg School of Public Health. Her passion lies in tackling pressing public health issues affecting underrepresented workers, especially laborers and workers of color, both in public and private sectors. Kisha's research spotlights the environmental injustice of beauty standards among women of color. Her work promises to bring about essential change in this critical area.

Alongside her academic journey, Mrs. Grady manages two vital Health and Safety programs at Temple University: Safety Training and Respiratory Protection.

Janelle Edwards

Janelle is in her final year of her doctoral program in Public Health at Drexel University's Dornsife School of Public Health. 

Currently, Janelle is leading two impactful research projects, investigating the links between primary care utilization and extreme temperatures, as well as morbidity patterns in Philadelphia. Her work promises to make a significant difference in our understanding of these critical issues. Upon completing her doctoral degree, Ms. Edwards’ overarching goal is to advocate for the incorporation of an indicator of structural racism into social vulnerability indices, which inform climate preparedness policies.

The Friends of Burlington Island was awarded funding to support an adventure in learning titled, “Where Does Trash Go in the Streets of a River Town?”  Friends’ Trustee, Erica Shabert, a teacher and local Girl Scout leader, will utilize SWEP funding to identify, recruit, and support young women, 8th grade and older, who would most benefit from this experience.

During this intense, two-day excursion, participants will discover the science of water quality monitoring utilizing the island's 97- acre freshwater lake. They will learn to kayak, participate in a shoreline cleanup, hike the existing trails and witness many aspects of nature along the way.  This will be a first for many of the girls who have never been on the lake or to the island.  The Grants Committee is confident that the girls will come away with a renewed respect for the environment.

Get Fresh Daily (GFD) cultivates community wellbeing by integrating plant-based living experiences, farm fresh produce, and culturally empowering wellness education. GFD programs are based in West Philadelphia where the garden serves as a community connection in a neighborhood that has been deeply impacted by drug and alcohol use, gun violence and systemic racism; yet the neighborhood remains cohesive and home to multigenerational families.

GFD will utilize SWEP funding to support the launch of its “Growing + Glowing in the Garden After School Program.” This new program is an extension to their current Growing + Glowing Spring Camp for Girls where girls learn the basics of camping, engage in mindfulness experiences and acquire the skills to plant and tend a garden, all in preparation for the upcoming season. Funds will directly support staff fees and supplies for the after-school program.

West Mount Airy Neighbors (WMAN) is a member-supported, nonprofit civic organization that will use much-needed SWEP funding to reclaim and restore land at the Carpenter Lane Train Station.

Adjacent to the regional rail line, this area has been turned over to WMAN’s stewardship. They plan to utilize the land to foster community engagement, education, biodiversity, and sustainable agro-ecology practices and will work with local schools/students, as well as other non-profit partners, to support and foster ecological literacy in the West Mt. Airy community.

Scholarship Winner: Christy Li, University of Delaware 

Christy Li grew up in an area with the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay as her backyard. Her interest in watershed management was sparked by her concerns with toxic agricultural contaminants flowing through the watershed and into the Bay. She did extensive research as an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Earth Science and wrote in her SWEP scholarship essay about how this research led her to further studies and a career path in the environmental sciences. “The research I conducted as an undergraduate and working as a sustainable development intern raised my awareness of the threats to riverine systems and how to combat these environmental issues.”

The importance of Christy’s research is evident as written in a letter of recommendation from Professor Michael O’Neal of the University of Delaware. “Her research provides great insights into the nature and timing of anthropogenic alterations and contamination of our regional landscape, a topic of great importance that has proved difficult to evaluate.” Professor O’Neal further supported Christy’s application when he wrote, “Christy is, without a doubt, of the best Ph.D. candidates that I have encountered in my 17 years at the University of Delaware.” As with Zoe, Christy has a strong commitment to pursue her career goals and ends her application essay with this promise to us, “I am aspired to use my scientific knowledge and experience to assist water quality remediation in riverine systems and to educate the community regarding the toxic contaminants of regional rivers and their watersheds.” With support from SWEP, we have no doubt Christy will realize her aspirations.

Scholarship Winner: Zoe Kerrich, University of Pennsylvania

Zoe Kerrich’s goal is to pursue a career in environmental planning. She feels there is a strong connection between human welfare and environmental health and believes the thread that connects the two is linked by strong planning leadership. In her application essay she wrote, “Environmental planning provides a framework for tackling industrial legacies and environmental contamination to the benefit of both local communities and ecosystems.”

In a letter of recommendation, Zoe’s professor, Tom Daniels of the University of Pennsylvania, Weitzman School of Design, is certain Zoe will succeed on her career path and wrote, “She has the background, determination, and ability to become a true leader on environmental issues.” Zoe summed up her written essay with the following commitment, “It is clear to me from previous work and my current planning program that new solutions and approaches are needed now — and I am ready to take on that challenge.” After getting to know Zoe, the committee wholeheartedly agrees that she is ready to find solutions. We are confident this scholarship award will help her fulfill this commitment.

Odyssey Charter School’s Food Studies Program, guided by award-winning STEM teacher, Melissa Tracy, began implementing the Food Studies Career Pathway in 2019 where students enroll in programs that include Culture and Environment and the Hydroponic Learning Lab. Students consider why food matters and how they can act to support a healthier food system by participating in seeding, transplanting, harvesting, and distributing produce to be served in the school’s cafeteria as well as local communities. Annually, they grow and donate at least 3,000 pounds of leafy greens for people in need!

Get Fresh Daily will use grant funding to support a one-week camp for girls designed to “empower them with tools for self-awareness, confidence-building, self-care, and resiliency through deepened connections with nature”. Throughout the week, girls will discover the sustainable practice of using every part of a plant by participating in programming like DIY plant medicines and plant-based cooking classes. The girls will also be responsible for planning and tending the local garden.

SWEP GP awarded three Grants in 2021:

Grant Winner: Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge
The Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge in Medford, New Jersey was awarded $3,000. The organization is dedicated to the preservation of New Jersey’s wildlife and habitats through education, conservation, and rehabilitation. They educate 30,000 school children per year through field trips, school assemblies and scout programs. In addition to having trails, Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge manages Pinelands habitat, and provides animal rehabilitation services. Their goal is to establish a “Girls and Wildlife” camp scholarship program that will support young girls that would otherwise not be able to attend camp. Young girls from underserved communities will have access to programs that satisfy young minds, expose them to STEM-based lessons related to wildlife and nature, and help to engage them in critical thinking, problem solving, and scientific discovery. The Scholarship program ensures that all students have equal access to high-quality educational opportunities that support and enhance their traditional education.

Grant Winner: Ursuline Academy
Ursuline Academy in Wilmington Delaware was awarded $1,000 to expand laboratory resources for environmental academic programs. Specifically, the grant will be used to purchase Finn Scientific Inquiry Lab Kits for the AP Environmental Science class that will introduce students to biological specimens in the lab while maintaining a population from which to generate specimens for study. Use of the lab kits nicely complements Ursuline’s participation in Delaware’s Adopt-a-Wetland program. Ursuline adopted Cool Spring Reservoir, which they not only help preserve but also use for educational purposes. Ursuline’s goals for the grant are to deliver an innovative and purposeful education within STEM fields and humanities.

Grant Winner: Camden City Garden Club
The Camden City Garden Club was awarded $500 in support of their Community Gardening Program and the Youth Empowering Watershed Education and Action Program, a part of the Youth Employment and Training Program. This program services adult area residents and at-risk, underserved youth. Fruits and vegetables grown at the garden benefit low-income/food insecure individuals and the Children’s Garden provides activities and educational program for children preschool age through 14. This grant will be used for youth education by pairing urban agriculture and environmental science instruction, and nutrition education with hands-on job skills training, employment, and open-ended staff support. Skills and knowledge gained through this valuable program facilitates graduation, post-secondary education and/or pursuit of employment and a practical route to autonomous adulthood.

SWEP GP awarded two scholarships in 2021:

Scholarship Winner: Nourhan Ibrahim, University of Pennsylvania

Nourhan Ibrahim was awarded a SWEP GP 2021 Graduate Scholarship for $3,000. Nourhan is a dual master’s degree candidate in Environmental Studies and Public Health. Prior to attending the University of Pennsylvania, Nourhan received her B.A. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Princeton University. She interned and completed her senior thesis at the Mpala Research Center in Laikipia, teaching primary and secondary school students about conservation issues. Nourhan served on the Board of the Princeton Conservation Society and completed a research project exploring the effects of pesticide use on crop yields and agriculture workers. She is working on her capstone project that explores sustainable food production and responsible management of pesticides. Nourhan hopes to pursue a career in environmental policy where she will strive to mitigate the impacts of environmental issues on community health. Her commitment to working intentionally, contributing something meaningful, and desire to break barriers and be a leader in this space is exemplary and inspiring.

Scholarship Winner: Anne Sharp, University of Pennsylvania
Anne Sharp was awarded a SWEP GP 2021 Graduate Scholarship for $3,000. Anne is a master’s degree candidate in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Environmental Sustainability at the University of Pennsylvania. Anne also received her B.S. in Biology with a concentration in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to taking graduate level classes, Anne works full time as an Administrative Associate at National Real Estate in Philadelphia. In her position she works with the Sustainability Committee to monitor and promote construction-related Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. Anne is also pursuing certifications in Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) reporting, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), and WELL Accredited Professional and is the Climate Leader Co-Chair at Penn where she oversees a board that connects climate-focused faculty, alumni, and students. Her goal is to broaden the sustainability efforts in her current position and create durable, joyful living spaces which encourage people to live in urban centers, combat suburban sprawl, and allow our natural areas and arable land to remain undisturbed. Additional experience in wildland firefighting, horticulture, and community gardening are commendable and further inform her studies and career aspirations.