You spoke. We listened. Amplify the Future has launched a new granting opportunity for graduate students!
DEADLINE: April 15, 2022
ELIGIBILITY
Open to graduate students 18 and older in any point of obtaining their degree. Through this scholarship, we seek to increase the number of BIPOC birders studying in STEAM*. The mini-grant award will range from $500 – $1,000, depending on funding for the current year. Two students will receive a one-time annual award. For questions or to submit supporting documentation, please email: hello@amplifythefuture.org. (Looking for the Black and Latinx Birders Scholarship? Click here.)
RULES
1. Live in and enrolled in a Graduate program in the United States or Puerto Rico.
2. We want to hear from you!
Tell us about your birding** experience! Please answer these questions:
- How did you become a birder?
- How are you involved in the birding community?
- Why are you pursuing a degree in STEAM?
- What is the focus of your thesis and how does it pertain to birds/bird conservation?
- How do you plan to bring back your knowledge and skills to your community?
- How will your research benefit bird conservation?
How to tell us:
- Video Essay: Instead of an essay, send us a video link (two minutes minimum five minutes maximum) sharing why you are pursuing your degree and how you plan to share your knowledge with the community.
AND
- Abstract of any research papers OR a summary of your thesis as it pertains to STEAM and/or birding.
OR
A video essay that combines the two points above with references to your research/abstract.
Note: If you are not pursuing a research-based graduate degree, please send us a video sharing why you are pursuing your degree and how it pertains to birds/bird conservation.
3. One or two letters of recommendation to serve as a reference from a current or recent professor, mentor, or employer. This should be sent directly to us by your reference to: hello@amplifythefuture.org.
4. Proof of enrollment in an accredited graduate program and proof of a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA (an email from the admissions office to hello@amplifythefuture.org stating your GPA/academic standing and your enrollment status for the 2022-2023 school year is needed).
5. Must be 18 years or older.
6. Interview with the committee via Zoom.
Submission period opens January 15, 2022
Applications due April 15, 2022
Decisions will be emailed by TBD 2022
*Note: STEAM (Science Technology Engineer Art Math) includes Science Communications.
**Note: we use the term “birder” in a broad context. Perhaps you’re a lister; bird-centric artist, videographer, or photographer; volunteer at a nature center and engage your community with live birds; lead bird walks; have worked on or are working on a bird-related conservation project at your school; are an apprenticing falconer/or Master falconer. A birder in this context is someone who is actively engaged in lifestyle, with projects, etc. that are centered around birds, bird advocacy, and/or bird conservation.
WHO WE ARE
The Birders Fund committee includes independent members and members of Amplify the Future, Always Be Birdin’, American Bird Conservancy, Audubon New York, and In Color Birding.