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Scholarship Application

Scholarship Award: $1,000


Applications are open to graduating high school students who live in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. The application is due April 15th 2026 and the scholarship winner will be notified and showcased on our website by May 30th.


Scholarship Requirements

  1. Applicant must be a current member of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Society.
  2. One signed Letter of Recommendation required with submitted scholarship application
  3. Submission of the BBNWR Essay, as detailed below.
  4. Submission of a bulleted list of your Refuge involvement
  5. Statement of Future Focus (College Major / Career Path)
  6. Submission of Verification of Enrollment: in a conservation/environmental degree program at a four or two year college

Evidence of Sustained Involvement: Show us your involvement, either formal or informal, with Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. If you have been involved in multiple ways, summarize these activities briefly, as it showcases sustained commitment to the region.

Membership: You must be a current member or become a member of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Society to be eligible for the scholarship. and state the length of your membership.

EMAIL your Letter of Recommendation and Essay as attachments to: 

[email protected]

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THE ESSAY PROMPT (ONE ESSAY)

Please describe a meaningful personal or applied connection to the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge (BBNWR).

Character Count Limit: 3000 Words*

Statement of Future Focus (College Major / Career Path)*

LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION

Letter of Recommendation: You must submit one (1) letter of recommendation from a teacher, supervisor, or non-family mentor who can specifically speak to your academic capacity, commitment to conservation, and overall character.

The letter should address your:

Capacity for College-Level Work: Your academic preparation, critical thinking skills, and ability to handle complexity.

Commitment to Conservation: Evidence of your passion for the environment, sustainability, or conservation efforts (local or otherwise).

Character and Initiative: Your work ethic, leadership potential, and willingness to follow through on projects

VERIFICATION OF ENROLLMENT

Verification of Enrollment: Proof of enrollment in a conservation/environmental degree program at a two or four year college is due by May 28, 2026, in order for scholarship funds to be disbursed.