June 03 '25•Benjamin Demers•honor• sustainability• city hall

Mission Students Honored for Commitment to Sustainability

Smiling students in a government building
Mission College students were celebrated for their dedication to sustainability at the Santa Clara City Council meeting on May 27. They earned the 2025 SVP Sustainable Futures Scholarship, which supports young leaders making a positive environmental impact.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

SANTA CLARA, CA -- Ten outstanding Mission College students were recognized at the Santa Clara City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 27, as recipients of the 2025 SVP Sustainable Futures Scholarship. Developed by the City of Santa Clara, the scholarship honors students who demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental sustainability in their academic, professional, and personal lives.

This year, the program awarded $2,500 scholarships to ten students selected from a competitive pool of applicants. As in years past, the winners were comprised of high-achieving honors students and dedicated campus leaders, several of whom have actively served on the Mission College Sustainability Committee.

The recipients’ fields of study reflected a wide spectrum of sustainability-driven disciplines, including marine biology, environmental science, and nuclear engineering. Students will continue their education at institutions such as UC Berkeley and San Jose State University, while others will remain at Mission College to further their studies. 
Students working in a classroom
Mission students received the 2025 SVP Sustainable Futures Scholarship, a program designed to encourage ongoing commitment to a greener future.
Duc Nguyen, a Nuclear Engineering major and scholarship recipient transferring to UC Berkeley in fall 2025, shared how his studies intersect with the mission of the scholarship:
"As a nuclear engineering major, I bring a unique perspective. My studies allow me to approach sustainability through the lens of energy innovation. Many people view nuclear energy as excessively risky and dangerous, but I hope to clear up these misconceptions through my studies by emphasizing its potential when managed safely and its important role in fighting climate change."
Theresa Tran, EOPS Counseling Faculty and chair of the Mission College Sustainability Committee, praised the students’ contributions:
"These students are the future of sustainability leadership. Their passion, dedication, and academic excellence are not only inspiring but also crucial as we navigate the global challenges of climate change. I am proud to witness their growth and their impact on our campus and community."
Mission College has long prioritized sustainability as a core value, integrating eco-conscious practices into its operations and campus culture. From hosting Earth Day events to supporting green infrastructure, the college actively promotes environmental responsibility among students and employees.
 
The work of the Sustainability Committee and the continued success of initiatives like the Sustainable Futures Scholarship demonstrate the college’s enduring dedication to creating a more sustainable future both locally and globally.
 
The Sustainable Futures Scholarship continues to serve as a vital investment in the next generation of environmental changemakers. Mission College and the City of Santa Clara remain committed to supporting students who envision a cleaner, more sustainable world.
 
Benjamin Demers
Director of Marketing and Public Relations
[email protected] 
About Mission College

Mission College is a leading institution of higher education dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education that empowers students to succeed.

With a commitment to student success, equity, and innovation, Mission College offers a diverse range of academic programs, exceptional faculty, and supportive services to foster a thriving educational community. 


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