Purpose:To honor the late Tom Tolen and preserve the memory and meaning of his attitudes toward lighting, lighting education and energy conservation through lighting.andTo encourage education in lighting for trade school, junior college, college and university students who have a clear interest in lighting or who have evidenced innovative thought and activity in their study or use of light and energy.andTo give students support and recognition for their educational accomplishments.Background:Tom Tolen devoted his life to the lighting profession and to the Illuminating Engineering Society. Tom was a lighting designer, a constant leader in lighting courses; active in all fields of lighting. Foremost, however, was his interest and participation in education and how lighting can influence energy conservation efforts. For two and a half decades, until his untimely death, Tom helped shape the careers and work of many who practice lighting. These scholarships are intended to expand and continue his dedication to the field.

- Must be enrolled in an accredited class or program in an accredited educational institution.- In an approved curricula including architecture, architectural engineering, electrical engineering, interior design, landscape design, theater, or broadcasting, accredited by the Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), or the Foundation for Interior Design Educations and Research (FIDER)- Must be studying in the Northern California counties of: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano or Sonoma.- Must be a full time Junior or Senior pursuing lighting studies or a graduate student who has a specific lighting project as part of a degree program.- Must be a full or part-time Freshman, Sophomore or returning student pursuing lighting studies with lighting as part of a degree or certificate program.