Budding ecologists will soon be able to take advantage of a top environmental scholarship programme.
The Field Studies Council is expanding this year to provide opportunities for even more young people with ambitious plans to create eighty new Young Darwin Scholars in 2023, marking its 80th anniversary.
The annual scholarship helps teens and young people aged 16 to 25 to develop their environmental skills and further their understanding of the natural world.
Learning development officer Mollie Clay says the scheme has been a big success: “The Field Studies Council has been running the Young Darwin Scholarship for more than 10 years now, and to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the charity and thanks to increased funding, we are looking forward to welcoming another eighty young people to the programme.
“The scholarship was first introduced at our Preston Montford field centre near Shrewsbury – the birthplace of Charles Darwin – and has proved a big success.
“This year, scholars will start with a residential trip or series of day trips at locations across the UK where they will spend time outdoors practising a wide range of field and identification skills, gain practical observation, planning and recording skills, explore landscapes and meet a number of inspirational speakers and experts.
“After the residential trip or day series, scholars will then have access to career guidance and networking opportunities and receive ongoing mentoring as well as online and in-person training from the council’s specialist staff. It’s a terrific package and a fantastic opportunity for young people to take advantage of.”
The programme hopes to support young people by helping them to get onto the correct pathway for an environmental career, teaching them the skills and knowledge to live a more sustainable lifestyle and providing the opportunity to spend time with others who share the same mindset about natural history.
The scholarship covers 90% of the programme fees, leaving applicants to pay up to £90 in fees. Extra support might be available for individuals who would financially struggle to cover the remainder of the fees.
For further details on scholarship dates, locations and information on how to apply, visit the Field Studies Council website and potential scholars have until June 4 to apply.
