California Weed Science Society 2016 Scholarship, Internship & Research Award Application

The California Weed Science Society (CWSS) is pleased to announce three unique opportunities to support undergraduate and graduate students with an interest in weed or invasive plant management.  To be eligible for any of these awards the student must be pursuing a degree at an accredited 2-year college or 4-year university in California.  Preference will be given to students that can demonstrate a strong interest in weed or invasive plant management.  All awards will be given at the discretion of CWSS.

Application Deadline: May 30, 2016

CWSS Scholarships:  Academic scholarships up to $2,000 are available for undergraduate and graduate students.  Undergraduate and graduate student applications will be evaluated separately.  The exact amount and number of scholarships awarded may vary depending on the number of applicants and availability of funds.  Applicants will be evaluated based academic performance, activities and service, and demonstration of interest in weed or invasive plant management.                                                             

CWSS Internships:  The internship is an award of up to $3,000 for an 8-week full-time internship with a University of California Farm Advisor or other off-campus research personnel with responsibilities in weed or invasive plant management.  The internship supervisor will disperse these funds and may have additional resources to further support the student. For a list of potential supervisors, click here.  Other potential locations and internship arrangements may be possible. Students must select the potential supervisor for their internship prior to applying.

     The following are required materials for all scholarship or internship applications. Please attach them below. 

1. Resume stating current GPA; work experience; university/community activities and honors; and a list of relevant courses taken.  (Note: transcripts may be requested)
2. A statement (500 words max) of academic and career goals that reflects the student’s interest in weed or invasive plant management.
3. One letter of support from the student’s academic advisor.
4. For internship only:  letter of verification from the supervisor.

CWSS Undergraduate Research Awards:  The undergraduate research award is a grant up to $2,000 for a research project related to weed or invasive plant management.  Students will need a faculty sponsor from their college/university for the project; however, the research project may be conducted under the primary supervision of other industry, USDA or off-campus university professionals.  Students should meet with the desired supervisor to design the research project and create the research budget.  The award may be used to defray the cost of research supplies, travel, as stipend to support the student’s time conducting the project, or any combination of these items.  The monetary award will be administered by the project supervisor.  Upon completion of the project, the student will present the research as a poster or talk at the annual CWSS conference (held annually in January).

     The following are required materials for all Undergraduate Research Award applications. Please attach them below. 

1. Resume stating current GPA; work experience; university/community activities and honors; and a list of relevant courses taken.  (Note: transcripts may be requested)
2. A 2-3 page research proposal written by the student including title, objective, general experimental approach, discussion of significance of project to weed science, references, and budget.
3. A letter of support from the faculty sponsor. 
4. A letter of support from the supervisor of the research project if different from the faculty sponsor.