BACKGROUND:

From our mission statement, the Izaak Walton League of America  (IWLA) is “to conserve, maintain, protect and restore the soil, forest, water and other natural resources of the United States and other lands; to promote means and opportunities for the education of the public with respect to such resources and their enjoyment and wholesome utilization.” Part of our longstanding mission includes education.

The League has long realized that education is important to the future our environment. By providing knowledge to today’s public, we will leave a legacy of conservation of the natural resources for future generations.

Established in 2005, the IWLA National Conservation Scholarship program was formed to further encourage, promote, and recognize conservation leadership among future natural resource managers and professionals.

This scholarship was designed to further support undergraduates from recognized conservation or environmental-related degree programs. Programs may include, but are not limited to, those such as: environmental science/engineering/education, natural resource management, forestry, wildlife, fisheries, parks and recreation, range management, and soils, and other related sciences such as ecology, biology (conservation/field/marine), geology, hydrology, and zoology, including mammalogy, ornithology, and entomology.

The National Conservation Scholarship complements the many scholarships offered annually by IWLA local chapters and state divisions. “These League scholarships provide students not only with financial support, but also with moral support from like-minded conservationists.”

(Source: Outdoor America, Summer 2004, “All Aboard the Scholar Ship” pages 36 –37)

This national scholarship is made possible with support from the members of the Izaak Walton League of America and a generous annual grant from the Izaak Walton League of America Endowment, Inc.

QUALIFICATIONS:

IWLA National Conservation Scholarship may be presented to no more than two undergraduate students in the United States, one in each of the following qualification categories. Each scholarship category includes up to a $2,500 scholarship, an engraved plaque, and a one-year IWLA student membership.

Category #1 - Previous IWLA Chapter/Division Scholarship Recipient

Applicant is a:

   Previous recipient of an IWLA chapter/division scholarship.

By the completion of the spring semester/quarter, applicants must:

1. Be an undergraduate in a recognized conservation or environmental-related degree program.

2. Have junior or senior class standing (completed a minimum of 56 semester hours or 108 quarter hours).

3. Have at least one semester or two quarters remaining in their degree program.

4. Be scheduled to enroll as a full-time undergraduate student for the following fall semester/quarter.

Category #2 - Child Of Or A Current IWLA Member

Applicant is a:

Son or daughter of a current IWLA member for at least one year prior to submission, or a current IWLA member for at least one year prior to submission.

By the completion of the spring semester/quarter, applicants must:

1. Be an undergraduate in a recognized conservation or environmental-related degree program.

2. Have junior or senior class standing (completed a minimum of 56 semester hours or 108 quarter hours).

3. Have at least one semester or two quarters remaining in their degree program.

4. Be scheduled to enroll as a full-time undergraduate student for the following fall semester/quarter.

ELIGIBILITY:

Previous IWLA National Conservation Scholarship recipients are ineligible. You may apply for only one category per year. If not selected, but eligible, you may apply during the second year.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Your completed application must be mailed postmarked no later than April 1st.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

Complete the IWLA National Conservation Scholarship Application Form, including the written requirements, enclose one letter of personal reference, two letters of recommendation from faculty at your college/university, have your university department head/chair or advisor complete and sign their designated section, and then you mail the completed packet to:

Izaak Walton League of America

707 Conservation Lane

Gaithersburg, MD 20878-2983

Attention: IWLA National Conservation Scholarship

Feel free to photocopy the application form.

You will receive a confirmation acknowledging receipt of your application. If you do not receive acknowledgment within two to three weeks, please call toll free 1-800 IKE-LINE, ext. 216, or email to confirm receipt of your application packet.

SELECTION PROCESS:

Applicants will be evaluated based upon their knowledge of conservation/environmental issues and their commitment as a future conservation leader. Each submitted application will be screened by the National Conservation Scholarship Sub-Committee, as part of an effort of the IWLA Conservation Education and Youth Convention Committee. Also included are representatives from the IWLA Executive Board and the Izaak Walton League of America Endowment, Inc., who will assist in making the final decision regarding the selection of recipients by the end of the month of May.

IWLA National Conservation Scholarship recipients will be announced and recognized at the annual IWLA national convention in July, and scholarships will be awarded directly through the college/university at the beginning of the fall semester/quarter.

SCHOLARSHIP CONDITIONS:

The awarded scholarship may be used only for tuition, fees, books, room and board, or other related-research expenses. Payments may be made directly to the college/university in the name of student, thus the student’s identification number will be required only if selected. After an award is made, any major change in the recipient’s course of study requires prior notification of the League. The IWLA reserves the right to withhold or terminate a scholarship due to unsatisfactory academic performance, or recipient’s early departure or withdrawal from college. Scholarship criteria or procedures subject to change without notice.