FUTURE OF FISHERIES SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

The Western Division of the American Fisheries Society Division is pleased to announce that applications for an undergraduate-level student scholarship are now being solicited. The Future of Fisheries Scholarship fund provides up to $2,500 annually to an undergraduate student working towards a degree in fisheries, aquatic sciences, or a closely related field. The new scholarship is intended to promote the future of the fisheries profession by increasing undergraduate student participation in the American Fisheries Society and providing funding that can supplement the needs of the student (e.g., tuition, books, and fees) as they progress towards a job in the field. Selection criteria include demonstration of:

1. Excellent scholarship as evidenced by course work during their undergraduate studies.
2. Significant progress (i.e., two semesters or four quarters) towards attaining a degree in fisheries, aquatic sciences, or a closely related field.
3. Potential for future contributions to the profession through active involvement in AFS and other activities (volunteering; work/technician positions; contributing to diversity, equity, and inclusion)

The 2025 scholarships will be awarded at the 2025 WDAFS Annual Business Meeting in conjunction with the Western Division AFS Annual Meeting, May 11-15, 2025 in Westminster, Colorado (exact date/time TBD).

APPLICATION CRITERIA AND PROCESS

●Applicants must be a member of the American Fisheries Society (AFS member number should be on application). To become a member, or to update your membership status, please visit https://fisheries.org/membership/join/.
● Applicants must have completed two semesters or four quarters in an undergraduate degree program at a university within the geographic boundaries of the Western Division.
● Applicants must have a major field of study that is related to fisheries, aquatic sciences, or a closely related field.
● Applicants must submit an application package that contains each of the following:

A letter to the award committee that includes:

1. A brief description of the student’s degree program and the anticipated date of completion.
2. A statement of the applicant’s career goals and need for the scholarship (up to 200 words).
3. A statement of academic and extracurricular activities (e.g., volunteering; technician positions; contributing to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives) relevant to their goal (up to 200 words).
4. Involvement with AFS or anticipated future involvement if just getting started (e.g., how does the applicant anticipate interacting with AFS as they move forward; up to 200 words).

Copies of a resume (including professional or volunteer activities, AFS involvement, etc.) and transcripts.

At least one letter of reference from a faculty member (professor in a class or undergraduate advisor) that can attest to the student’s academic performance and commitment to the fisheries or aquatic sciences profession.

A second letter can be included from an individual with whom the student has participated in volunteer activities or technician positions.
Letters may be sent separately by the individual providing the reference.

The application package should be sent electronically (or postmarked) no later than April 1, 2025 to:

Bob Gresswell, Western Division Scholarship Award Committee 226 Silver Cloud Cir Bozeman, MT 59715 (406) 570-1486 bgresswell@gmail.com