The Beth Calabotta Sustainability Grant was created to honor Beth Calabotta, a long-serving director of the National Biodiesel Foundation who significantly contributed to advancing research and education in the field of biodiesel sustainability. Beth was deeply committed to student development and dedicated much of her career to promoting environmentally sustainable fuels. In recognition of her legacy, this grant aims to support students pursuing academic and research endeavors in science, renewable fuels, and sustainable energy, particularly biodiesel and renewable diesel.
First awarded in 2018, the grant provides $3,000 in financial assistance to one deserving full-time student each year. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a strong academic and professional interest in the promotion, development, or application of biodiesel or renewable diesel technologies. The funding is partially designated to support the student’s participation in the Biodiesel Sustainability Workshop, a specialized two-day event designed to deepen participants’ knowledge of industry best practices and sustainability trends. The 2026 workshop is scheduled for April 27–29, and grant recipients are expected to engage in pre- and post-event activities related to the workshop.
Remaining funds not applied to workshop-related costs may be used to cover other qualified academic expenses, such as tuition, textbooks, or research-related materials. The grant provides a unique opportunity for emerging leaders in renewable energy to gain exposure to industry experts and sustainability innovators while furthering their academic progress. Past recipients have gone on to contribute meaningfully to the field, demonstrating the program’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of biodiesel researchers and advocates.
Applications for the grant are currently open, with selections made based on the applicant’s commitment to sustainability, clarity of academic goals, and alignment with the mission of the National Biodiesel Foundation. The award is issued annually, with Courtney Videchak most recently selected as the 2025 recipient. Previous grantees include students from diverse academic backgrounds, reflecting the foundation’s inclusive approach to promoting renewable energy education.
No specific submission portal or deadline was provided in the source content. However, participation in the April 2026 workshop implies that application review and decisions will be finalized prior to that date. Students are advised to plan accordingly and prepare their application materials early to ensure full consideration for this competitive opportunity. Additional information is likely available through the National Biodiesel Foundation.
