Institute announces new scholarships

Whitefish Lake Institute has announced its new Ripple Effect Scholarship Fund, which formalizes and expands the nonprofits scholarship program.

The fund exists to accomplish WLI’s goal of mentoring students as they follow their scientific curiosity, and encouraging them to continue their studies. Three different types of scholarships are offered.

One is for a high school student entering a four-year university majoring in environmental sciences. This $500 scholarship is available to any Whitefish High School senior who is entering a four year university with plans to major in an environmental science field. Eligible majors include; environmental science/studies, environmental engineering, biology, and sustainability. Other majors will be considered if they demonstrate a link to an environmental emphasis.

The second is a $1,000 scholarship awarded to an upper level university student who completes a successful internship with WLI during the course of a summer. This scholarship essentially serves as a stipend for the student toward their continuing education.

Finally, students with thesis proposals specific to Whitefish area water resources are encouraged to submit inquiries to WLI for consideration. Support to a thesis may be financial, advisory, and/or equipment to assist in their study design and execution.

WLI has for several years provided $500 educational scholarships to university students completing summer internships with WLI. Upon learning of WLI’s desire to further formalize and expand its education programming with more robust internship opportunities, long-time WLI members offered their support for the objective of advancing water quality and natural resource education. These funds have elevated the programming and internship grants to the next level.

The number of awards issued annually will be based on the scholarship fund account balance up to a maximum of three awards. No award category will have more than one recipient annually.

All scholarships require students to engage in an application process that includes a letter of recommendation from an instructor familiar with student’s work, a copy of official school transcripts, and a 300-500 word essay describing student’s watershed ethic and why their ethic will help them become a good watershed steward. WLI staff will review applications and submit recommendations to the WLI Board of Directors for approval. Applications are due on April 7 and can be found on the WLI website www.whitefishlake.org.

Founded in 2005, the Whitefish Lake Institute is a nonprofit organization committed to acquiring scientific research, and to educating and engaging the local citizenry to protect the Whitefish area water resources of today, while providing a collective community vision for tomorrow.