ORAFS Student Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Oregon Chapter of the American Fisheries Society
Scholarship Overview
The Oregon Chapter of the American Fisheries Society awards four scholarships—one each for associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students—to recognize academic achievement and support the development of future fisheries professionals. These awards advance AFS objectives by promoting fisheries education, research, and professional growth. Scholarships are granted at the discretion of the ORAFS Scholarship and Executive Committees. Recipients are expected to attend the ORAFS Annual Meeting for formal presentation of the awards.
Description: Four scholarships for students enrolled in or accepted to degree programs in Oregon, intended to reward and promote education and professional development in fisheries and aquatic science.
Award Value: Each scholarship includes a $2,000 check, an award certificate, professional recognition at the Annual Meeting and in ORAFS publications, and standard student benefits such as reduced meeting registration and opportunities for group lodging.
- Four awards covering associate through doctoral students.
- Awards support education, research, and entry into the fisheries profession.
- Recipients are expected to attend the ORAFS Annual Meeting for formal recognition.
Applicant Requirements
Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria that ensure the awards support students connected to Oregon institutions and the ORAFS community. Membership in ORAFS is required but may be completed at the time of application. The applicant’s major must be relevant to fisheries or aquatic science, and applicants may not have previously received the same scholarship. Selection follows committee review and discretion.
Eligibility: Enrollment in or acceptance to a degree program in Oregon; current ORAFS member (may join at application); major relevant to fisheries or aquatic science; never previously awarded this ORAFS scholarship.
- Applicants must be affiliated with an Oregon degree program.
- ORAFS membership is mandatory and may be obtained during application.
- Prior recipients are ineligible to reapply for the same scholarship.
Expectations from Recipients
Recipients are strongly encouraged to attend the upcoming Annual Meeting to receive their award in person and participate in the awards lunch. Scholarship funds may be used to offset meeting expenses and future AFS membership fees. Each recipient will be photographed with the ORAFS president and receive professional recognition in ORAFS communications. Recipients are also expected to contribute a short written feature for publication.
Recipient obligations: Attend the Annual Meeting for award presentation when possible; provide a one-page Fishery Feature for the Piscatorial Press describing use of funds and/or fishery experiences during the scholarship year.
- In-person attendance at the Annual Meeting is strongly encouraged.
- Recipients must submit a one-page article for the Piscatorial Press.
- Scholarship funds can be applied to meeting and membership costs.
Application Materials
Applications must include materials that demonstrate academic achievement, alignment with AFS objectives, and professional potential. A concise cover letter should explain how the applicant’s goals and experience advance AFS objectives; supporting materials may document relevant coursework, research, volunteer work, or honors. Official transcript copies from the past two years and one letter of recommendation from an AFS member are required. Applicants are responsible for ensuring recommendation letters are submitted by the deadline to [email protected].
Required materials: A one-page cover letter addressing AFS objectives; supporting statement of relevant experience or research; copies of official transcripts from colleges or universities attended in the previous two years; one letter of recommendation from an AFS member sent to [email protected] by the deadline.
- Cover letter should clearly connect applicant goals and experience to AFS objectives.
- Transcripts and an AFS-member recommendation letter are mandatory.
- Applicants must ensure recommendation letters are delivered by the deadline.