AGFC scholarship window open through Dec. 31

For Arkansas students dreaming of a career in conservation, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission is opening the door a little wider. The agency is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2026-27 academic year, offering thousands of dollars in support — and a direct path into hands-on conservation work.

Applications are open through Dec. 31 for Arkansas residents pursuing conservation-related majors at an Arkansas college or university. Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale and submit a current transcript, a curriculum vitae, a minimum 300-word essay, and a short video explaining their background, career goals and commitment to conservation.

Incoming freshmen and sophomores selected for the program will receive $2,500 per semester, while juniors and seniors will receive $5,000 per semester, said Becky Bloomfield, program coordinator. She added that a small number of students may still apply under a previous scholarship format that offered lower award amounts, though that structure is being phased out.

Scholarship recipients must complete at least 40 volunteer hours with the AGFC, working with at least four of the agency’s divisions. Bloomfield said the requirement is designed to give students meaningful professional exposure.

“This is a golden opportunity for a student to build their network early,” Bloomfield said. “They’ll be working on the ground in a variety of roles to make contacts, get training and real experience. I wish I had access to a program like this when I was in college in Kentucky.”

The Conservation Scholarship Program is funded through the sale of Conservation License Plates. Since 2001, more than $9 million has gone to Arkansas students preparing for conservation careers.

Information and applications are available at agfc.com/conservationscholarships.

Image: Arkansas Game and Fish Commision