About this scholarship: The Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County (RCD) offers scholarships to encourage students interested in conservation, agriculture, environmental science, natural resources, biology, or natural sciences to obtain technical expertise and pursue careers in resource conservation or agriculture. Please contact Ann Baldridge with any questions: Phone: (619) 562-0096 Fax: (619) 562-4799 ann.baldridge@rcdsandiego.org www.rcdsandiego.org Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County 2016 Conservation Scholarship Five scholarships of $1,000 each are available Who is eligible? Applicants must: 1. Be residents within the RCD of Greater San Diego County s sphere of influence (see map). 2. Have successfully completed three years of study at an accredited high school. 3. Be nearing completion of their fourth year in high school while maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better (on a 4.0 scale). 4. Expect, or have received a notice of intent, to enroll in undergraduate college courses related to resource conservation or agriculture. How do I apply? Send the original application plus three copies of all materials to the Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County, Attn: Scholarship Committee. Application forms are available through high school career counselors, on the RCD website, or by contacting the RCD. Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County 11769 Waterhill Rd. Lakeside, CA 92040 How are applications evaluated? Applications will be evaluated as follows: 1. 30% on academics 2. 25% on original essay 3. 25% on student s activities 4. 10% on letters of recommendation 5. 10% on quality of application Applications must be received by 5pm on Monday April 11, 2016 INCOMPLETE OR LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED The Resource Conservation District (RCD) of Greater San Diego County is a special district organized under Division 9 of the State Public Resources Code. Our mission is to protect, conserve, and restore natural resources through information, education, and technical assistance programs.
RCD of Greater San Diego County Service Area Mission RCD Upper San Luis Rey RCD ² Legend RCD of Greater San Diego County San Diego County Major Roads Cities RCD of Greater San Diego County Mission RCD Upper San Luis Rey RCD Unincorporated RCD of Greater San Diego Sphere of Influence 0 5 10 20 30 40 Miles Serving the following communities: Incorporated cities and surrounding communities including: Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coronado, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, National City, Poway, San Diego, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach, Spring Valley, and Vista. Unincorporated communities including: Alpine, Borrego Springs, Campo, Cuyamaca, Descanso, Guatay, Jacumba, Julian, Mt. Laguna, Mt. Palomar, Pine Valley, Ramona, and Warner Springs.
CONSERVATION SCHOLARSHIP 2016 APPLICATION DEADLINE: One original plus three copies of the application and supporting documents must be received by 5pm on Monday April 11, 2016. 1. Name (Last) (First) (Middle) 2. Address (Street) (Apt.) 3. Address 2 (City) (State) (Zip Code) 4. Phone number Date of birth 5. High school from which you are graduating: Phone number: Name of Career Counselor: Date of Senior Awards Night (if known): 6. Weighted GPA on a 4.0 scale, for grades 9 through first semester of grade 12: 7. Colleges or Universities you have applied for in order of preference: Have you been accepted at this time? If so, please attach a copy of your acceptance letter from the school(s). 8. What will your major course of study be?
Please provide a short answer to questions 9 and 10 in the space provided or on an attached sheet: 9. List high school courses completed, on-campus or off-campus volunteer work, positions of leadership and participation, and work experience specifically related to natural resource conservation and/or agriculture (4H, FFA, Ecology Club, etc.): 10. List all other on-campus or off-campus volunteer work, positions of leadership and participation, and work experience not related to natural resource conservation and/or agriculture (student organizations, scouts, sports, etc.): 11. Attach a one page essay (300 to 500 words) describing your background and understanding of natural resource conservation and/or agriculture issues and what inspired you to get involved in these issues. Please also explain how your studies will shape your career plans and how you will use your experience to benefit your community. (*Note: Essay is assessed primarily on content; however, writing proficiency is also considered.) 12. Please include TWO letters of recommendation with your application. More will not be considered. 13. Attach an unofficial photocopy of your high school transcript of grades. Submit the original plus three copies of the complete application (including this form, your essay, transcript and letters of recommendation) to: Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County Attn: Scholarship Committee, 11769 Waterhill Road, Lakeside, CA 92040 Application Checklist: Please submit the originals plus three copies of each item listed below: Application Answers to Questions Nine & Ten (If on a separate sheet) Essay Two Letters of Recommendation HS Transcript (Unofficial Photocopy) If I am selected to receive the RCD Scholarship, I give the RCD permission to use my name, school affiliation, and/or photo in public news releases. Signature of applicant Date
Environmental careers Save the world and earn a paycheck too. Plan for your future as well as the earth s. Our planet s resources include soil, water, air, plants and animals. It s not only park rangers and activists who protect them. There are hundreds of career options available to people passionate about environmental sustainability and conservation of resources. Explore career opportunities in all levels of government (federal, state, county, city and special districts) and in the private and nonprofit sectors as well. No matter what your major is or your personal strengths and interests, you can make a positive impact on the environment. But first, a reality check Most of what you need to know, you will learn through work experience. Having a good work ethic will advance you faster in your career than any professional experience. You may need to start at the bottom and work your way up to more dynamic jobs. Having a solid set of transferable skills will make you valuable to any company/agency. Below are several college majors, followed by a few environmental careers related to that field of study. Humanities/Liberal Arts Writer Journalist Educator (Classroom or Informal/Outdoor) Program Manager Media Relations Biology Soil Conservationist Fisheries Biologist Ecologist Forester / Arborist Rangeland Manager Wildlife Biologist / Veterinarian Land Use/Environmental Planner Engineering / Computers Civil Engineer Environmental Engineer CAD Drafter/Designer Sustainable Energy Specialist GIS Specialist Chemistry Water Chemist Soil Chemist Environmental Health Specialist Air Pollution Control Engineer Political Science Environmental Lawyer Legislative Representative Geology / Hydrology Water/Wastewater Engineer Watershed Specialist Agriculture Organic Farmer or Rancher Agricultural Inspector Entomologist Pest Management Urban Studies and Planning / Architecture Green Architect Green City Planner In addition to technical experts, every environmental organization in the world needs strong office managers, business leaders, program managers, accountants, IT specialists, public relations experts, code enforcers, salespeople, educators, graphic artists, etc. There s a role for all of us to play. For more information about the 3000 Resource Conservation District offices nationwide - as well as our program partners - visit the webpage of the National Association of Conservation Districts, http://www.nacdnet.org/ This information brought to you by. 11769 Waterhill Rd. Lakeside, CA 92040 Phone: (619) 562-0096 Fax: (619) 562-4799 http://www.rcdsandiego.org/