Congratulations to Sierra Needham, this year’s recipient of the Robin Hopkins Amper Environmental Scholarship! Sierra was a student at Smithtown High School West, and a member of the National Honor Society, Science Honor Society, and Math Honor Society, among others. She completed high school with an impressive 4.63 GPA, and was an AP Scholar with Distinction, as well as a National Merit Finalist. In addition to many other accomplishments, Sierra co-authored the environmental children’s story A Problem Fir Real! This fall, she’ll begin attending SUNY New Paltz, majoring in Environmental Science, with the goal of one day becoming an environmental educator.
In her application materials, Sierra wrote, “In my career, I hope to give future generations the same chance to discover awe in, and never give up on, their environment.”
We wish Sierra luck in her pursuits and congratulate her once again for receiving the 2025 Robin Hopkins Amper Environmental Scholarship!
The Long Island Pine Barrens Society has established a scholarship for Long Island students. It is administered through the New York Community Trust.
Robin Hopkins Amper Environmental Scholarship Application
Robin Hopkins Amper was a steadying force for Long Island Pine Barrens protection. Robin, alongside her husband, Richard Amper, formed a team whose contributions to Long Island’s environment were immeasurable. Robin was 72 and died after a four-year battle with metastatic breast cancer, in April of 2019.
In 2020, the Long Island Pine Barrens Society’s Board of Directors established a scholarship in her name, for Long Island residents who are committed to the environment, much the way Robin was. Students pursuing an undergraduate degree in environmental studies and sciences, biology, ecology, sustainability, public policy, and land and water protection are eligible to apply for the scholarship. Students may attend any accredited college in the U.S.
For 2025, high school seniors who will be college freshmen in Fall 2025 are eligible to apply. Long Island Pine Barrens Society employees, their relatives and board members are not eligible.
Criteria for selecting the awardee are as follows:
- Academic achievement (minimum 3.0 GPA and above average SAT/ACT scores) (6 points)
- Personal essay (4 points)
- Volunteer/
extracurricular activities (4 points) - Letters of reference (two academic and one personal) (3 points)
- Financial need (3 points)
Scholarships will be in the amount of $5,000. The awardee is required to maintain the eligible major and a minimum GPA of 3.0.
This year’s application deadline was July 18th.
The awardees will be notified by August 11, 2025. A student is eligible for the scholarship one time only.
Interested and eligible students may apply at Robin Hopkins Amper Environmental Scholarship portal. Once at the portal site, students will need to create an account. Enter the access code LRHAMS to reach the application and apply.
The Robin Hopkins Amper Enviro
Please feel free to email Nina Leonhardt at ninaaleonhardt@gmail.com should you have any questions.
