Investing in the next generation of outdoor leaders
Since 2004, the Buckeye Trail Association Academic Scholarship has helped students turn their passion for the outdoors into a career that protects and preserves our natural world. By supporting the trailblazers of tomorrow, we strengthen the future of conservation, environmental stewardship, and outdoor education in Ohio and beyond.
About the scholarship
The Buckeye Trail Association Academic Scholarship encourages and assists students pursuing or continuing a career related to the outdoors, including forestry, outdoor education, natural resource management, conservation, or environmental studies.
Eligibility
Open to any Buckeye Trail Association (BTA) member, or to students whose parent, guardian, or grandparent is a BTA member.
Must be enrolled in or accepted to a post-high school educational program of at least two years in length in a qualifying field.
Scholarship information
- Award amount: $500
- Application deadline: April 1
- Announcement: Recipient(s) announced at the BTA Annual Meeting in September
- Payment: Scholarship funds sent after completion of the first or next academic term, with proof of a GPA of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
Application process
A complete application requires five items:
- Completed application form
- List of extracurricular activities
- Essay (content may be used by the BTA)
- Letter of recommendation from a non-family member with knowledge of the applicant’s academic goals
- Academic transcript
Past recipients
2025: Samuel Busic, accepted to the Ohio State University and Colby College (Geology and Earth Sciences) | Kara Hill, accepted to the College of Wooster and John Carroll University (Biology) | Brody King, University of Rio Grande (Wildlife Conservation)
2024: Maya Hill, The Ohio State University (Environmental Science) | Allie Carter, The Ohio State University (Forestry, Fisheries & Wildlife)
2023: Sophia Huss, Michigan State University (Earth and Environmental Science)
2017: Andrew Popa, Kent State University (Political Science, Environmental Protection) | Brock Brubaker, Hocking College (Wildlife Management)
2016: Eric Berger, University of California, Berkeley (Environmental Economics and Policy & Political Science)
2015: Michelle Benedum, Liberty University (Environmental Education) | Sierra Bachman, Hocking College (Wildlife Management)
2013: Maria Dimengo, Case Western Reserve University (Nonprofit Management) | Matt McLain, Ohio University (Environmental Studies)
2010: Levi Farley, Hocking Technical College (Wildlife Management) | Steve Trotsel, Ohio University
2009: Levi Farley, Hocking Technical College (Wildlife Management)
2007: Barry Unger, Hocking Technical College (Wildlife Preservation) | James (Andrew)
Klingensmith, Hocking Technical College (Wildlife Management)
2005: Cindy Coss | Louisa Kreider
2004: Louisa Kreider
Support the Scholarship Fund
Help us continue to support future conservation leaders. Donations to the Buckeye Trail Association Academic Scholarship Fund are tax-deductible.
