LADSON, S.C. – Now in its fourth year, Shimano continues a key initiative to its ‘Varsity Program’ with a scholarship program to students pursuing careers in fisheries, conservation and natural resources management. Complete information and the downloadable application form can now be found on the Shimano website at: Shimano-B.A.S.S. Scholarship Program.
Partnering with B.A.S.S. — high school seniors and both undergrad and graduate students must be a member of the organization to apply for the scholarships — the key mission behind the program is to keep the awareness level high in the decline in resource management professionals who fish among high school and college-age anglers, and advise them on the career opportunities available at the state, regional, provincial and federal levels.
Applications for the Varsity Program scholarships are being accepted through June 15, 2020. According the Shimano Youth Fishing Coordinator Frank Hyla, “Three of our past scholarship winners are now working with state fishery agencies now that they have graduated, and not only do we look forward to seeing those ranks rise but also the impact these young adults can have on fishing and conservation efforts in their respective states.”
Hyla notes the scholarships are for studies beginning in fall 2020, with up to ten $1,000 scholarships going to U.S. and Canadian high school seniors, college undergraduate and graduate students who are members of B.A.S.S., and majoring in biology, fisheries, wildlife or a natural resource-related field.
“We look for the applicants who want to become practicing fishery management biologists; the ones who want to be involved in taking care of the resource they enjoy,” said B.A.S.S. National Conservation Director Gene Gilliland. “Our goal will be to find those students who not only want to learn and understand the biology, the science — but who can also understand the users, the anglers — because they are anglers too.”
Winners will be notified by July 1, with the award being made directly to the student for use as needed for tuition, textbooks or living expenses.
For more information on the Shimano Varsity Program contact Frank Hyla at fhyla@shimano.com.
