Old Rag Master Naturalist Scholarship Program 2027

Purpose Statement

The Old Rag Master Naturalist (ORMN) Chapter sponsors annual academic scholarships to support students pursuing college degrees in wildlife management or science, natural resources, agriculture, forestry, conservation, environmental studies, or related fields.

The goal of this scholarship program is to encourage higher education and foster a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship, conservation, and the natural world.

The Scholarship Committee administers the program under the oversight of the ORMN Board of Directors.

Scholarship Eligibility and Selection Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Residency

  • Must be a resident of one of the six counties served by ORMN: Culpeper, Fauquier, Greene, Madison, Orange, or Rappahannock.

2. Educational Status

  • Must be a graduating high school senior planning to pursue higher education in an eligible field of study.

  • The Scholarship Committee will also consider applicants who have taken a gap year following high school graduation and plan to pursue higher education in an eligible field.

3. Intended Field of Study

  • Must plan to pursue a college degree in wildlife management or science, natural resources, agriculture, forestry, conservation, environmental studies, or a closely related field.

4. Selection Considerations

Scholarship recipients will be evaluated based on:

  • Demonstrated leadership and initiative.

  • Past and present involvement in environmental stewardship, conservation, or related activities.

  • Commitment to protecting and preserving natural resources.

  • Alignment with the mission and values of the Old Rag Master Naturalist Chapter.

The Scholarship Committee will review applications and recommend recipients based on these criteria, subject to the oversight of the ORMN Board of Directors.

Award Details

  • Scholarship Amount: $2,000 per recipient (one-time award)

  • Number of Recipients: Up to two students will be selected.

Application Information

  • Application Period: January 1, 2027 – March 15, 2027 - late entries will not be reviewed.

  • Recipient Notification: Scholarship recipients will be notified by April 15, 2027.

Apply Below

Interested students who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to submit an application during the designated application period.

For questions or additional information, please contact Brian Duncan at scholarship@oldragmasternaturalists.org.

Scholarship Application - Will open on 1/1/2027