Three undergraduate students have been selected for the 2026 Avery Dennison Foundation EnviroChamp Fellowship, a national program that supports young women working in environmental sustainability. The students, Anuja Krishna, Shivaani Arunprasad and Vanya Hegde, are among the 10 fellows chosen from across India through an independent selection process.The scholarship, organized by the Avery Dennison Foundation in partnership with the Institute of International Education (IIE), provides each fellow with a stipend of USD 1,500, along with mentorships, professional development opportunities and expert-led learning sessions. The cohort includes students from institutions such as IIT Bombay, TERI School of Advanced Studies, Delhi Technological University, IISER Bhopal, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad and Azim Premji University.
Scholars to work on environmental challenges
The three selected students will carry out projects focusing on river pollution, light pollution and climate resilient agriculture.Anuja Krishna will study pollution in Chennai’s Kosasthalaiyar River by combining water quality analysis, biodiversity assessments and community interviews. Shivaani Arunprasad’s project will address light pollution in Bangalore through awareness, citizen science and community action. Vanya Hegde will examine traditional tuber-based food systems as models for climate-resilient agriculture, focusing on women-led farming practices and knowledge systems.
The program offers scholarships and mentorships
Each fellow will receive a stipend of USD 1,500 and participate in a mentoring program designed to support research and professional development.“The Avery Dennison Foundation EnviroChamp Scholarship is dedicated to empowering and elevating the next generation of women leaders in India as they pursue their studies in environmental sustainability,” said Alicia Procello, president of the Avery Dennison Foundation.Vivek Mansukhani, Head of IIE India, said the program aims to nurture young change makers through financial support and mentorship. “By providing comprehensive mentoring, financial support and professional development, this program is not only supporting individuals, it is empowering future women leaders to create real and sustainable impact in their communities and the world at large,” she said.
Research aligned with real-world sustainability issues
Harini Nagendra, director of Azim Premji University’s School of Climate Change and Sustainability, said the students’ research reflects the emphasis on solving environmental challenges through scientific inquiry.“Anuja’s work on the Kosasthalaiyar, Shivaani’s work on light pollution, and Vanya’s work on traditional food systems each reflect this shared purpose, based on a strong scientific foundation and focused on solutions to India’s challenges,” said Nagendra.The Avery Dennison Foundation EnviroChamp Scholarship is an initiative of the Avery Dennison Foundation and the Institute of International Education that supports young women pursuing careers in environmental sustainability through scholarships, mentorships and professional development.