Soil and Water Conservation Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Soil Science Society of America

Description **Purpose and scope** The Soil and Water Conservation Scholarship recognizes and encourages students pursuing careers in soil and water conservation by providing financial support and mentorship incentives. It targets students at critical career-decision points to help reverse declining numbers of professionals in the field. The award is funded by the Soil and Water Management & Conservation Division through the Agronomic Science Foundation and is administered by SSSA. Its intent is to both reward promise and stimulate continued engagement in conservation careers. Key takeaways - Encourages students to pursue careers in soil and water conservation. - Funded by the Soil and Water Management & Conservation Division via the Agronomic Science Foundation. - Administered by the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA). - Focuses on career development and mentorship. Eligibility **Who may be nominated** Eligible nominees are students enrolled at universities in North America (United States, Canada, Mexico), with preference for those at land‑grant or agriculturally equivalent institutions. Candidates may be juniors or seniors in a B.S. program or M.S. candidates. Self‑nominations are permitted. Former recipients, SSSA Awards Committee members, and members of the SSSA Board of Directors are not eligible. Key takeaways - Open to students at North American universities; land‑grant preference. - Eligible student levels: B.S. juniors/seniors and M.S. candidates. - Self-nominations accepted. - Former award recipients and certain SSSA officials are ineligible. Evaluation Criteria **What reviewers consider** Applications are judged on academic work, career focus, practical experience, mentorship support, and the candidate’s view of the field’s importance. Academic accomplishments (courses and projects) are considered but transcripts are not required. Reviewers look for demonstrated commitment to soil and water conservation and a clear plan for future contributions. Strong endorsement from the major professor or advisor is an important part of the evaluation. Key takeaways - Academic record (classes, projects) evaluated; transcripts not required. - Clarity of career goals in soil and water conservation is critical. - Practical work experience in the field is weighed. - Major professor’s support influences selection. - Applicant’s vision for the discipline is assessed. Award Value **Stipend and mentor incentive** The selected student receives a $3,500 stipend paid in August prior to the start of the fall semester. An additional $500 is awarded to the student’s major professor or advisor to encourage ongoing mentorship and to accompany the awardee to the SSSA Annual Meeting. The professor incentive promotes continued guidance and helps integrate the awardee into the professional community. Key takeaways - Student award: $3,500 stipend. - Mentor/advisor award: $500 to support continued mentoring and conference participation. - Student stipend is disbursed in August before the fall term. - Mentor funding encourages awardee attendance at the SSSA Annual Meeting. Application Timeline & How to Apply **Submission and award timing** The scholarship is announced and awarded on a schedule that culminates with the stipend disbursement in August, preceding the fall semester. Exact application deadlines and required materials are posted on the Soil and Water Management & Conservation Division webpage. Applicants may self-nominate; include documentation demonstrating coursework, projects, work experience, career goals, and a statement from the major professor. Key takeaways - Award stipend disbursed in August before the fall semester. - Application details and deadlines available on the Division’s webpage. - Self-nomination allowed; include academic and professional documentation plus professor endorsement. - Transcripts are not required unless specifically requested on the application page. Administration & Contacts **Program administration and support** The Soil and Water Conservation Scholarship is supported financially by the Soil and Water Management & Conservation Division and channeled through the Agronomic Science Foundation. SSSA administers the award and manages selection and disbursement. For questions about the scholarship or the application process, contact Jerry Lemunyon (scholarship chair) or the SSSA awards office. Key takeaways - Financial sponsor: Soil and Water Management & Conservation Division. - Funds administered through the Agronomic Science Foundation; SSSA manages the program. - Scholarship chair: Jerry Lemunyon. - General inquiries: awards@sciencesocieties.org or 608‑268‑8080. History of the Award **Origins and motivation** The scholarship was created in response to shrinking numbers of students, curricula, and mentors focused on soil and water conservation. It honors the tradition of mentorship that develops conservation professionals and seeks to renew passion for the discipline among emerging scientists. By investing in students and their mentors, the program aims to rebuild the pipeline of trained conservationists and sustain the field into the future. Key takeaways - Established to counteract declining participation in soil and water conservation. - Emphasizes the role of mentorship in developing future professionals. - Aims to restore focus and passion for the discipline through targeted support.