Youth Scholarship Program

Scholarship Sponsored by Nicodemus Wilderness Project

Introduction Since 1999 the Apprentice Ecologist Initiative™ has mobilized tens of thousands of young volunteers worldwide to participate in conservation and environmental cleanup efforts. Review previous Apprentice Ecologist Award projects for inspiration and ideas for your own stewardship activity. Program goals - Promote youth leadership by involving young people in hands-on conservation and cleanup efforts. - Enable youth to strengthen both environmental and social health in their communities. - Enhance habitat and living conditions for residents and wildlife through education, advocacy, and practical action. Who may apply - Open to high school juniors (Class of 2027) and seniors (Class of 2026) from any state or country. - High school seniors may apply during the summer after graduation. Deadline for submissions: 31 August 2026. How to become an Apprentice Ecologist and apply for the scholarship 1. Lead or participate in an environmental stewardship project. 2. Photograph your project while it’s in progress. 3. Write an essay describing your project and its significance to you. 4. Email the following to mail@wildernessproject.org: project location, your photo, your essay, number of volunteers, total volunteer hours, plus your name, postal address, and high school level (for example, “senior [Class of 2026]”). Examples of past Apprentice Ecologist projects - Collecting and recycling litter from parks, rivers, beaches, or other natural areas - Planting native trees at a school, park, or reforestation site - Establishing a community or school recycling or composting program - Conserving terrestrial or aquatic habitats for native species - Advocating for protection of endangered species or sensitive areas - Leading educational outreach on wildlife or conservation topics - Removing graffiti from natural areas - Taking measures to prevent local pollution or contamination - Eradicating invasive plant species to allow natives to recover - Raising awareness about renewable energy use - Reducing erosion by maintaining trails and closing shortcut paths - Assisting older neighbors with wildlife-friendly yard plantings and maintenance - Designing and installing a rain garden that captures roof runoff and supports native habitat Awards and eligibility details - Each year three scholarships (totaling $1,750) are awarded to the authors of the top-ranked Apprentice Ecologist essays. - Scholarship funds are intended to cover tuition and fees at an accredited college or university. - In addition, authors of the five best essays each year will receive an NWP t-shirt or tote bag. - Essays are evaluated by a panel composed of NWP board members and past Apprentice Ecologist Award winners. - Applicants should demonstrate initiative & dedication, leadership & personal growth, and project accomplishments & sustainability. - There is no strict essay word limit, but typical past winners have written between about 750 and 1,500 words. - Applications are due by the end of August; winners are usually notified by the end of April. The next submission deadline is 31 August 2026. Special note If your project benefited lands managed or co-managed by the City of Albuquerque Open Space Division, a separate Apprentice Ecologist Open Space Initiative scholarship exists. Tips for writing a competitive essay 1. Briefly introduce your background and explain why you chose to carry out an Apprentice Ecologist project for the Nicodemus Wilderness Project. 2. Identify and describe the site where you worked. 3. Give specific details about the tasks you completed and the results you achieved. 4. If your project is part of a longer-term effort, concentrate on your most recent contributions. 5. Explain why stewardship of the chosen site matters. 6. Describe how your project benefits the environment and your community. 7. Reflect on how the experience affected you personally and what it inspired you to pursue next. 8. Proofread carefully to eliminate spelling and grammar errors before submitting. Safety and logistical guidance for projects 1. Monitor the weather and schedule your work accordingly. 2. Never work alone; teams of three or more are preferred. 3. Tell someone where you will be, when you’ll be there, and how long you expect to stay. 4. Watch for poisonous plants, venomous snakes, and stinging insects. 5. Do not handle syringes or needles; report their location to the appropriate authorities. 6. Bring or wear appropriate gear: sturdy boots, gloves, hat, sunscreen, first-aid kit, water, and food. 7. Obtain landowner permission before starting work on private property. Questions or help If you have any questions or need assistance, contact us at mail@wildernessproject.org.