AGFC Conservation Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Program Overview
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) offers a two-year fellowship program to support thesis-based graduate research that advances conservation of Arkansas fish, wildlife, and their habitats. The program will fund up to two projects, with a total program value of $40,000 and awards intended to support student stipends, summer funding, travel to conferences or workshops, and professional development. Projects are selected for their conservation impact, alignment with AGFC priorities, and potential to strengthen partnerships between the agency and academic institutions. The fellowship also emphasizes mentorship and professional development for participating graduate students.
Description: A two-year, competitive fellowship supporting thesis-driven graduate research that aligns with AGFC’s mission to conserve and enhance Arkansas’s natural resources while promoting public understanding and sustainable use.
Award Value: Up to $40,000 total across the program; awards are intended for two projects and are capped at $20,000 per student per year, disbursed through the host institution.
- Two-year fellowships focused on thesis-based graduate research
- Up to two projects funded per cycle
- $20,000 per student, per year (subject to project and award limits)
- Funds may cover stipends, travel, and professional development
- Emphasis on agency-aligned conservation impact and academic partnerships
Who Can Apply
Principal Investigators (PIs) at accredited public or private academic institutions with active graduate programs are eligible to apply. Each PI is limited to submitting one application per award period. The fellowship is intended to be administered through academic institutions, which will receive the funding and manage disbursement for the supported student. For questions about the application process, applicants should contact the AGFC scholarship office.
Eligibility: Open to PIs affiliated with public or private academic institutions that host active graduate programs; one application per PI is permitted.
Contact: For application questions, email [email protected].
- PIs at institutions with active graduate programs may apply
- One application allowed per PI each award period
- Funding is administered through the host institution
- Direct questions to [email protected]
Eligibility Requirements
Fellowship funds are disbursed directly to the academic institution to cover the graduate student’s stipend and eligible project expenses. Because the fellowship is supported by sales of the AGFC Conservation License Plate, the award requires that the supported student attend an in-state institution for their graduate studies and be a U.S. citizen or in the process of obtaining citizenship; both Arkansas residents and non-residents enrolled at in-state institutions are eligible. An AGFC staff member must be involved in candidate selection and serve, if available, as a committee member for the project, meeting with the student at least quarterly to provide mentorship and project support. Recipients may also be asked to present their research to AGFC staff or Commissioners during or after the fellowship period.
Funding and Use: Funds are paid to the institution for student stipends and allowable project-related expenses such as summer funding, travel to conferences or workshops, and professional development.
Student Eligibility: Student must be enrolled at an in-state institution and be a U.S. citizen or working toward citizenship; both Arkansas residents and non-residents enrolled in an Arkansas institution are eligible.
- Funds are paid to the host institution for stipends and project expenses
- Student must attend an Arkansas (in-state) graduate program
- Student must be a U.S. citizen or working toward citizenship
- AGFC staff involvement is required for selection and committee mentorship
- Recipients may present results to AGFC personnel or Commissioners