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 (Deadline Extended to Feb. 15). Undergraduate students will then apply to work on the projects that are funded (due date = TBA).

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

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: January 31

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 currently be classified as having senior class standing (90 or more completed units); 2) you must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher; and 3) you must intend to pursue graduate education in some area of the biological sciences. Faculty will nominate eligible students based on the above criteria. 

Master's Student Grant

Announcement & Application 
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. Please submit your application to biosci@humboldt.edu Deadline: March 15

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". 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 7, 2022. 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: Extended to April 16 at 11:59 p.m.

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: January 31

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.

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 2023 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.

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, 2023. 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

Green Diamond Resource Company, Natural Resources Scholarship:  Green Diamond Resource Company is sponsoring a scholarship program for students interested in educational pursuits related to Natural Resources.  We are very excited to offer this opportunity because we can help students who are not only currently attending college, but also high school seniors who plan to attend vocational programs or are college bound this coming fall.  This scholarship supports a wide variety of programs including vocational and technical programs as well as college, community college, and graduate programs. Applications should be completed by March 31 and emailed to scholarship@greendiamond.com. Awards will be finalized by June 1.
More info and download an application

Humboldt Area Foundation & Wild Rivers Community Foundation's 2023 Universal Application will open on January 15, with a deadline of March 1. This application process houses over 160 unique scholarship opportunities. The first step of the application is an eligibility form that matches students to the scholarship opportunities available to them. Learn more at: https://www.hafoundation.org/Grants-Scholarships/Scholarships-Apply-Now
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.

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.