These, and many other scholarships, are now available by way of Cal Poly Humboldt’s online scholarship system.  To access & apply, select the Scholarships button in the Financial Matters Quick Links section of your portal.

Scholarships & Awards For the 2023/2024 Academic Year

Scholarships administered by the Department of Biological Sciences, Cal Poly Humboldt

Brusca Zoology Scholarship

Purpose:  To honor Gary Brusca for his many years of inspiring student interest in Invertebrate Zoology. Presented annually to graduate students in their 1st or 2nd year at Humboldt with an exceptional interest and promise in field and/or laboratory studies of Invertebrate Zoology. Amounts and numbers of scholarships are estimates, dependent on funding. Deadline: March 1

Dennis K. Walker Botany Award

Purpose: Recognition of the outstanding undergraduate botany student in each year's graduating class. Selection by the Botanical Awards Committee is based primarily on academic excellence. Final recipient selection made in early spring by the Botanical Awards Committee. Deadline: None; faculty nominations only

Ferguson Family Research Fund

The Ferguson Family Research Fund is intended to provide mentorship to undergraduate students by graduate students in the Department of Biological Sciences. Funds will be used to provide (1) stipends to undergraduate students while working on projects developed by graduate students and their faculty advisers, and (2) a limited amount of research supplies for the project. The goal of the fund is to enable undergraduate students to participate in a research environment, gaining valuable experience that can help them develop into practicing scientists. The hope is that a wide range of undergraduate students will participate in the program, and first-generation students are especially encouraged to apply.
Applications are initiated by graduate students and should include a project proposal that is approved by their major adviser. Undergraduate students will then apply to work on the projects that are funded. 
Graduate Student Deadline:  March 10; Undergraduate Student Deadline: *Tentative for April 5
Now accepting applications from Graduate Students on the Jotform App:  
https://form.jotform.com/cphbiogrants/ferguson-family-research-fund

Fred and Margaret Telonicher Memorial Scholarship

Purpose:  Granted annually to a Cal Poly Humboldt undergraduate student in any concentration or major within the Department of Biological Sciences. Undergraduate students, in any stage of their college studies, are invited to apply.  The award shall be given exclusively on the basis of academic excellence. Deadline: April 1

F. R. Meredith Botany Scholarship

Purpose:  Each year the Botanical Awards Committee of the Department of Biological Sciences Department awards the Meredith Scholarship for academic excellence in Botany. Undergraduate student applicants must have at least two semesters remaining to complete the degree requirements for a BS in Botany at Humboldt. Amounts and numbers of scholarships are estimates, dependent on funding. Not Available 23-24 AY

Gregory Mark Jennings Botany Award

Named in memory of Gregory Jennings, a graduate student of Humboldt (‘99 B.S. Botany, ’03 M.A. Biological Sciences). The purpose of this annual award is to promote the acknowledgment and dissemination of research in the field of botany. The annual award will support graduate students to travel for the purpose of presenting their research to a professional audience, or for expenses related to publishing their research. Eligible students are those pursuing a graduate degree in Biology, with a preference for those students with an area of research in botany. Final recipient selection will be made in early Spring by the Botanical Awards Committee. Deadline: None; faculty nominations only

Jack S. McGurk Marine Biology Scholarship

Purpose: The purpose of the Fund is to support students who are pursuing a Marine Biology degree at Cal Poly Humboldt. Scholarships will be for a minimum of $2,000 annually
and available beginning Fall 2023. 
Selection Criteria: 

• Students enrolled in the Cal Poly Humboldt Marine Biology program
• Students in good academic standing per the standards of the University

Deadline:  None; By faculty nomination, typically in the spring of each year. 

James Christian Scholarship

Purpose: Recognition of an outstanding student majoring in the biological sciences at Humboldt, preference given to a graduate student and based on financial need. Deadline: Not available for 23-24

James F. Welsh Biology Scholarship

The James F. Welsh Biology Scholarship endowment will provide four scholarships of $2,500 - $3,000, depending on available funds, to be awarded early every fall semester. The Welsh Biology Scholarship supports students who intend to go to graduate school after obtaining their Bachelor's degree from Humboldt. The award is not intended for students planning on attending professional schools such as medical, pharmacy or veterinary school. To be eligible for the award, you must meet the following application criteria: 1) you must be entering the second semester of your senior year; 2) you must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher; 3) you must be planning to pursue a graduate degree and 4) you must be a full time undergraduate students majoring in Biology, Botany, or Zoology. This award will be made in the fall of each year. Faculty will nominate eligible students based on the above criteria. Students will have the opportunity to fill out an interest form sent by the department in the fall of each year.

Master's Student Grant

The Master’s Student Grant award is made possible by the Department of Biological Sciences at Cal Poly Humboldt.  Funds are distributed to graduate students through one grant allocation per year, which is administered by the Master’s Student Grant Program Committee.
Apply at: https://form.jotform.com/240525345166151 
Deadline: March 18

Michael B. Smeaton Biology Scholarship

Purpose: Provide one annual scholarship to a Biology undergraduate student majoring in the Cellular/Molecular concentration. Must have at least a sophomore standing when receiving funds and have a financial need. Preference will be given to students planning to enter the medical field or graduate school. Deadline: April 1

Milton J. Boyd Teaching Associate Award

Purpose: The Milton J. Boyd Outstanding Graduate Teaching Associate Award in Biological Sciences is intended to recognize outstanding first year graduate students in the Biological Sciences, who have served the department as a Teaching Associate through exemplary performance to enhance academic instruction in the classroom, laboratory, or field experience at Cal Poly Humboldt. Selection will be made by faculty nomination. Deadline: None; faculty nominations only

Moonstone Crossing Award

Cancer Research Assistantship Application
This award will support up to two Humboldt undergraduate and/or graduate students to do a cancer related BIOL 499 research project in the laboratory of Dr. Amy Sprowles during the Spring '23 semester. Two awards will be given, in varying amounts. One award will be for students from backgrounds typically underrepresented in the field of biomedical research such as low income, first generation college student, or underrepresented cultural groups. Applicants must complete the application form and submit via email to: biosci@humboldt.edu Deadline: November 30

Rumble Award for Excellence in Botany

Purpose: Recognition of an outstanding graduate botany student. Selection by the Botanical Awards Committee is based primarily on academic excellence. Final recipient selection made in early Spring by the Botanical Awards Committee. Deadline: None; faculty nominations only

Siering/Wilson Undergraduate Research Endowment

We are pleased to announce the call for proposals for the Siering/Wilson Research Endowment, a program designed to fund undergraduate research activities in the broad disciplines of Microbial Ecology and Environmental Microbiology. Proposals from undergraduate students (freshman to seniors) in ALL departments within the College of Natural Resources (CNRS) at Cal Poly Humboldt will be considered. Projects may be theoretical, investigative, hypothesis-driven, or applied in focus. Since most questions related to the field of microbial ecology are interdisciplinary in nature, projects that involve collaborations among faculty mentors with different disciplinary expertise will be given preference. We anticipate multiple grants of $500-$1000 will be awarded to support projects to be conducted in the Spring, Summer and/or Fall of each year. Funds may be used for research supplies and services (e.g. DNA sequencing, environmental analysis), but may not be used for travel. How to submit proposals: All application materials need to be combined into a single PDF (details forthcoming) that is emailed to Dr. Mark Wilson, msw13@humboldt.edu by the deadline with the email subject heading: "Research Endowment Application 2023/2024". Any questions regarding this funding opportunity can be directed to Dr. Wilson at the above email address. Award recipients will be notified by email. Deadline December 13, 2023 by 5 p.m. Link to application

Sterling J. Sam Botany Award

Purpose: To provide underrepresented students a chance at earning a botany degree, so they can make a positive impact on the community and commitment to the botanical profession. All qualified students are encouraged to apply, including those who belong to one of a number of campus clubs focused on underrepresented students, individuals with a disability, Native Americans, and/or students who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. It is based primarily on academic experience, but field and/or research experience will also be considered. Qualifying Botany seniors and graduate students are invited to apply. Selection will be made by the Botanical Awards Committee. Deadline is April 1.

Vera Woolford Scholarship

Purpose: Provide scholarships for worthy students at Cal Poly Humboldt who are interested in and who are pursuing study of the medical sciences. Amounts and numbers of scholarships are estimates, dependent on funding. Deadline: March 4

William Brueske Award for Outstanding Biological Photography, Microtechnique/histology, and/or Microscopy

Scholarships administered by other departments at Cal Poly Humboldt

Ballard Scholarship

The Ballard scholarship is awarded to students on the basis of financial need. Amounts and numbers of scholarships are estimates, dependent on funding. One scholarship awarded to a Biology student and one scholarship is open to any major.

Ernest P. Fusi Scholarship in Natural Resources

Purpose:  Scholarship to honor Ernest P. Fusi to promote the interests in furthering the education of full time CNRS students in the areas of natural resources. Must maintain a 2.5 GPA and demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Amounts and numbers of scholarships are estimates, dependent on funding.

The Fusi and Dusi Scholarship

The Fusi and Dusi scholarship is awarded to a full-time student pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in natural resources majors who have completed at least two courses taught bv natural resources facultv in the eligible majors at Humboldt, have at least two semesters of course work vet to be completed at Humboldt, academic achievement with a cumulative minimum GPA of 2.5 (Humboldt & transfer courses if applicable), as determined by the FAFSA. Amounts and numbers of scholarships are estimates, dependent on funding.

Gary Estenson Memorial Scholarship

Purpose: Undergraduate students who are majoring in Marine Biology or Fisheries Biology. Must have at least a 3.00 GPA and financial need. Amounts and numbers of scholarships are estimates, dependent on funding.

L. O. McDuff Scholarship

Purpose:  Scholarship is awarded to an undergraduate student majoring in Fisheries Biology, Marine Biology or Environmental Science: Ecological Restoration, with GPA of at least 3.0, demonstrated financial need, with preference given to students within minimal or no support from parents. Amounts and numbers of scholarships are estimates, dependent on funding. 

Malcolm Oliphant Scholarships in Marine Science

Purpose:  Awarded on the basis of excellence, as judged by the Awards Committee. Work in progress at the Telonicher Marine Laboratory, Trinidad, will be one factor considered in the award of the scholarships. Students working on projects at the Marine Laboratory or working on marine science projects elsewhere that have implications for marine organisms are encouraged to apply. Academic promise will be demonstrated by scholastic achievement in at least two consecutive semesters of enrollment at Humboldt and by letters provided by two faculty members familiar with the academic achievements of the applicant. Potential or promise for a productive career in some aspect of marine science will be considered. Graduate or undergraduate students must have at least two semesters remaining to complete degree requirements for graduation with a Bachelor of Science degree or a Master’s degree. Amounts and numbers of scholarships are estimates, dependent on funding.

Nordstrom & White Pre-Vet Scholarship:

This scholarship will support at least two students who are enrolled in the Pre-Veterinary Program. Scholarship to be received during the junior or senior years of study. Must be in good standing and demonstrate financial aid need as determined by the FAFSA or Dream applications. Deadline:  January 31.

Stephen Hillenburg Marine Science Research Award:

Applications are being sought for the Stephen Hillenburg Marine Science Research Award. As you can see from the flyer attached, "The award recognizes students conducting creative research who may “think outside the box” in developing and applying innovative approaches to address important ecological and societal questions. Marine science research including film, video, and illustration may also apply." The Award is open to any full-time undergraduate and graduate students with at least two semesters remaining to complete their degree who are conducting scholarly or creative activity in a marine science or related field. Collaborations among students and faculty involving marine science and the humanities or social sciences are also encouraged to apply.  Scholarship Amount: One to two scholarships, $2,000 to $4,000 each.
Who May Apply: Full-time graduate or undergraduate students with at least two semesters remaining to complete degree requirements.
The Application Deadline: Complete and send the attached application before the February 16, 2024 deadline (the deadline has been extended from Jan. 26 to Feb. 16). 

Scholarships Administered by the Humboldt Area Foundation and Other Entities

Aawok Troy Fletcher Memorial Scholarship Fund: The Aawok Troy Fletcher Memorial Scholarship Fund supports students who are Yurok Tribal Members studying Natural Resources ((including land acquisition, biology, fisheries, water issues, natural resource restoration, watershed restoration, wildlife management and other aspects related to natural resources, such as policy making.) Interested students can apply for the 2024 Universal Application, which houses the Aawok Troy Fletcher Memorial Scholarship. We encourage you to share this opportunity, amongst the 170+ additional scholarship opportunities within the Universal Application, offered by Humboldt Area Foundation and Wild Rivers Community Foundation. There is a tutorial video to help walk students through the process of completing the eligibility quiz, and the subsequent application. That video can be viewed here. There is also a step-by-step application guide, for students who cannot view the video. More information on the HAF+WRCF Scholarship Finder can be found here.

Allied Van Lines Logistics Scholarship: Allied Van Lines, one of the leading long distance and cross country moving companies in America, is excited to offer a 2023 scholarship program aimed at students whose area of study focuses on logistics and moving-related fields. We are committed to growing our industry and supporting the brightest students in logistics and moving. Individual scholarship award amount of $1,000 per winner. Total scholarship awards: $3,000. Submit a brief essay of between 400 and 800 words, detailing why a career in logistics/supply chain management is your college major of choice. A personalized tone, referencing sincere firsthand experience and sentiment, is best—no need to be too formal. We want to know why you truly believe in logistics as the best career path for you!
More info and apply at: https://www.allied.com/scholarship

American Association of University Women (AAUW); Scholarships for Female Re-Entry Students: The Humboldt Branch of the American Association of University Women is now accepting applications for its Re-entry Scholarships. Re-entry students meeting the scholarship eligibility requirements below are encouraged to apply. 
Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
• Women residing in Humboldt, Del Norte or Trinity County
• Currently enrolled at Cal Poly Humboldt in upper division or graduate courses
• Return to college after a hiatus of 5 years or more in collegiate education
• Grade point average (GPA) at CPH of at least 3.0 (if available)
• Demonstrate financial needs

SCHOLARSHIP RANGE: $1,000-$2,000
More details and the complete application packet are available at:
https://humboldt-ca.aauw.net/education/scholarship/ 

California Garden Clubs Inc. Scholarship Program: Annually a minimum of two (2) CGCI Scholarships are available, each in the amount of $2,000. The number of scholarships and their amount for each academic year will be determined annually. One-year scholarships are available to juniors, seniors and graduate students pursuing a Master's Degree. The deadline to apply is January 15, 2024. Link to a flyer with more information

Dr. David Largent Scholarship for Students in Mycology: The Humboldt Bay Mycological Society (HBMS) is offering the annual Dr. David Largent Scholarship. This scholarship offers a stipend in the total amount of $800. The chosen applicant will give a presentation on the subject matter of their research at a regular meeting of the HBMS on January 17, 2024. This meeting will be in person.
Download application instructions, here:  Dr. David Largent Scholarship for Students in Mycology

Eureka Sequoia Garden Club Scholarship: A $500 scholarship will be awarded to a local college or high school student from Eureka, Arcata, McKinleyville, or an unincorporated area, who displays interest and aptitude in the fields of Agriculture, Plant Science, Horticulture, Landscape Design, Environmental Studies, Floral Arrangement, or a related field. Deadline:  March 31
Download information and an application
Email for Questions:  esgc@cagardenclubs.org

Green Diamond Resource Company, Natural Resources Scholarship: This scholarship is intended to recognize and support individuals who plan to enter fields of study that will lead to the continued enrichment of the Natural Resources and related industries.  This scholarship is for vocational, undergraduate, or graduate programs, and can be awarded to high school seniors or return students attending a higher education program. 
Eligibility:  Awards will be given based on industry involvement, academic merit, participation in extra-curricular activities and area of study.  Special consideration will be given to employees, spouses, or children of Green Diamond employees. Applications are due March 31, 2024.  Awards up to $1,000 each will be distributed in June 2024.
Download the application    

Humboldt Area Foundation & Wild Rivers Community Foundation's 2024 Universal Application: Humboldt Area Foundation and Wild Rivers Community Foundation’s 2024 Universal Application is officially open! The Universal Application (UA) houses over 180 unique scholarship opportunities and is available on Scholarship Finder. The Donald Morris Hegy Memorial Fund is housed within the Universal Application and specifically supports graduate students studying Engineering, Mathematics, Architecture, or Science at Cal Poly Humboldt. The Joseph Sidney Woolford Fund also supports any students who are entering or continuing graduate school at Cal Poly Humboldt.  Applications for UA scholarship opportunities must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM on Monday, March 4, 2024. Application support, including tutorials and an FAQ, may be found on the HAF+WRCF Website. For questions and application support, contact:  Savannah Sonia, Grants & Scholarships Coordinator, savannahs@hafoundation.org (707) 284-0180 
Sydney Morrone, Grants & Scholarships Manager, sydneym@hafoundation.org (707) 442-6775
View a full list of scholarships that are included in the Universal application, here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1wVf-yN0rovyZAMTx9c4erLi65exJRZeE9VhAPdjMkRE/edit#gid=0
These, and many other scholarships, are now available by way of Cal Poly Humboldt’s online scholarship system.  To access & apply, select the Scholarships button in the Financial Matters Quick Links section of your portal.

Inaugural Association of California Water Agencies Foundation Scholarships:  The ACWA Foundation scholarship program will award three $10,000 scholarships in fall of 2023. This scholarship program is about investing in future water leaders and cultivating a bright future for students who are dedicated to working in this industry. Priority will be given to applicants whose situation best advances the ACWA Foundation mission. Criteria for selection will also be based on financial need, academic excellence, career goals, and interest in the water community.
Learn more and apply at:  https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=RKUkUJQ5kUqDx6mSJwGg6x9TqoRsw1BEmIlr3_sA6_hUMzQ0TU04VVpLVFgwWVhHV09QUEpGVFVUVS4u

Manual C. Kaster Scholarship:  The Manuel C. Kaster Scholarship Fund has been established to provide financial
support to deserving Cal Poly Humboldt undergraduate students pursuing a zoology degree. Students must have a minimum 2.5 gpa and be entering their last two years of college.  Fields of study include zoology and biology, with an emphasis in ecology/biodiversity, environmental biology, general biology, marine biology, or microbiology. The Manual C. Kaster Scholarship is included in the above mentioned Humboldt Area Foundation & Wild Rivers Community Foundation's 2023 Universal Application.  
Learn more at: https://www.hafoundation.org/Grants-Scholarships/Scholarships-Apply-Now

Perennial Plant Foundation 2023 Scholarships: The Perennial Plant Foundation (PPF) is proud to announce that we are now accepting applications for the 2023 scholarship to attend the Perennial Plant Association National Symposium in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada July 24-28, 2023.  The PPF was incorporated in 2000 as a 501c3 with the primary goal of supporting students and providing experiential scholarships to attend the National Symposium of the Perennial Plant Association. The selected students will receive $1,000 dollars plus full registration and housing for the duration of the PPA conference. The fully immersive experience connects students with current members of the industry, showcasing the diversity of horticultural career opportunities. This exposure and connection to the industry has directly impacted students for the past two decades. Scholarship applications are being accepted at https://perennial-plant-foundation.square.site/, the deadline is March 31, 2023. Please share this information with your students and colleagues.  

San Diego Farm Bureau Scholarship: The San Diego County Farm Bureau is pleased to announce its 2024 scholarship program to assist students seeking a future in agriculture. Through the generosity of San Diego County farmers, ranchers, and nursery operators, over $495,675 in scholarships have been awarded to 378 college students from San Diego County since the program's inception in 1999. In order to award these scholarships, we need your help reaching qualified students. Eligibility requirements are as follows:

• Student is entering or attending a two-year or four-year college or university;
• Student is pursuing a course of study in agriculture or a closely related field; and
• Student has a permanent residence in San Diego County.

Scholarship awards range from $1,000 up to $5,000. Funds awarded in 2024 must be applied to the 2024-2025 academic year. Completed applications need to be postmarked by April 15, 2024.
Apply at: www.sdfarmbureau.org/ag-in-the-classroom/scholarships/