Scholarship

The goal of the Ben Avery Scholarship is to assist university juniors and seniors in their pursuit of a degree in a natural resource related field and assist them to gain practical knowledge regarding land stewardship.

To achieve this, the Arizona Chapter of the SWCS offers the Ben Avery Scholarship. The SWCS will also provide scholarship recipients with assistance in obtaining hands-on experience through internships, volunteer programs and employment programs. In addition, the Soil and Water Conservation Society will assist university students in establishing collegiate chapters of the SWCS.

The sponsors of the scholarship hope that the recipients of the Ben Avery Scholarship program will be employed and work to conserve the State of Arizona's Natural Resources.

Who Are The Sponsors?

The Ben Avery Scholarship is sponsored by the Arizona Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) and the Ben Avery Family. Contributions to this scholarship fund have been made by the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust, the Ben Avery Family, SWCS members, and Private donors.

Ben Avery was an avid promoter of conservation work until his death in 1996. He worked to encourage conservation among the public through his writings in the Arizona Republic. In addition, he worked to develop and implement conservation minded legislation in the halls of the Capitol Building. Among his many achievements is the preserve at Aravaipa Canyon. He also participated in negotiations for the Central Arizona Project. Not only was Mr. Avery passionate about conservation work, but he knew the importance of higher education to ensure wise management of resources.

The Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) is an internationally recognized organization that serves as an advocate for the conservation profession and for science-based conservation policy. Chapters throughout the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean carry out activities at the local, state, and provincial levels and on university campuses. The members of the Arizona Chapter have placed education as its priority. The Ben Avery Scholarship is an important component of this priority. The disbursement of scholarships will further its mission by promoting careers in natural resource related fields.

Who Can Apply?

Students meeting the following criteria may apply for the Ben Avery Scholarship:

Must be an Arizona resident.
Must be enrolled in a 4 year Arizona University, the year the scholarship is awarded.
Classified as junior or senior in the year the scholarship is awarded
Major in a natural resource related field (i.e. soil science, range management, wildlife management)
Have at least a cumulative GPA of 2.5

What Is Needed To Apply?

Students interested in applying should submit the following to the Arizona Chapter of SWCS:

Applications with all required information are due to the Arizona Chapter of SWCS postmarked no later than May 15:

Cover letter
Transcripts (may be unofficial)
Proof of enrollment
Resume, describing work experience, honors, awards, and other activities
Two recommendations, one from the university for academic performance and one from outside the university (not family) for character reference
Answers to the following three questions, one question per page, each question not to exceed one page:

1. What is the most important natural resource concern in your region and why?
2. How do you currently work with natural resources in your daily life, school, and other activities?
3. How will your natural resource degree apply to your career choice?

How Are Scholarships Distributed?

Two $500 scholarships will be distributed for each academic year. Applications are due by May 15 of each year.

A committee will review the applications. All applicants will be notified of the committee's decision in early May. Scholarship checks will be disbursed to the University in which the student is enrolled in August.

The SWCS requests that scholarship recipients maintain contact with the Arizona Chapter until their initial employment position.

Arizona Chapter SWCS
c/o Kris Graham Chavez
12409 W. Indian School Road
Building B., Suite 201
Avondale, AZ 85323
kristin.graham_chavez@az.usda.gov

Printable Scholarship Brochure