The Proton Energy Scholarship program is supported and funded by Tom Sullivan, owner of Proton Energy and founder of the national chain Lumber Liquidators. The scholarship will award four-year undergraduate scholarship prizes with a total value of up to $100 000 each, with $500 prizes for Honorable Mentions, Proton Energy Achievers. Sullivan has committed $1m to the Hydrogen Education Foundation (HEF), which is administering the scholarship program.

‘Proton Energy is committed to innovation and creativity, and it is our hope that through this scholarship, we can help inspire young people with an interest in science and technology,’ says Sullivan. ‘The cost of college can sometimes be overwhelming – especially in this economy – and we are proud to help alleviate this burden, while also encouraging new ideas among some of America’s most promising high school students in a field that holds tremendous importance for the future.’

Proton Energy is a leading international supplier of onsite hydrogen generators utilizing proton-exchange membrane (PEM) technology. The company has more than 1200 units deployed worldwide. Proton Energy has also been involved in more than a dozen hydrogen fueling stations currently in operation across the US.

Proton Energy Scholarship applicants will be evaluated on academic performance, strength of application, commitment to further education in a science or technology related field, financial need and demonstrated leadership, work ethic, and community involvement. The deadline for applications is February 10, 2010 with winners announced in April.

The Proton Energy Scholarship complements two other HEF programs, the Hydrogen Student Design Contest and the H-Prize, which respectively hold competitions for university-level students, and innovators seeking excellence beyond higher education.