Grand Rapids
Audubon Club
Harry F. Stiles Scholarship
The Harry F. Stiles Memorial Scholarship is named in honor of Harry F. Stiles, a man who loved the out-of-doors. Mr. Stiles was an expert photographer and in his retirement devoted his time to the study of nature in Michigan. As Grand Rapids Audubon Club (GRAC) Board President from 1954 to 1955, he established this scholarship with enrollment to the National Audubon Camps in mind.
Scholarship applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have not received this scholarship in past years. The GRAC Scholarship Committee is looking for applicants committed to sustaining a healthy natural environment and are enthusiastic about carrying that message to others, especially to children. The applicant will also be evaluated on his or her desire to actively participate in the Grand Rapids Audubon Club and other environmental organizations.
Scholarships are up to $500.00. The scholarships can be applied to the cost of the workshop only, travel expenses and meals are not included. A one-year membership in Grand Rapids Audubon Club is included in the scholarship.
Because the number of National Audubon camps and workshops have decreased significantly since the scholarship was established and the scholarship now only covers a minimal portion of the cost, workshops or classes from other environmental venues will be considered.
The GRAC Scholarship Committee will consider environmental, biology, or science programs other than those given by National Audubon (workshops offered by other Audubon clubs, college or university courses, workshops offered by the Michigan DNR). You must submit an official course description with your application. Non-Audubon workshops are evaluated on the following characteristics:
a. Instruction in environmental or conservation issues
b. Instruction in teaching methods relating to environmental education
c. Qualified instructors or accredited institutions
The Grand Rapids Audubon Club expects the recipient of this scholarship to participate in GRAC for at least a year. This may take many forms such as Committee participation, Board participation and submission of articles to the Caller, leadership in Junior Audubon or presentations to the club as a whole.
Please complete the application (link left) and return it to the committee chairman by January 31, 2012. Interviews of applicants will take place in February. Notification of the scholarship recipient will be sent out after the February GRAC Board meeting. Please contact Sue Pocklington at 616-957-0683 if you have any questions regarding the 2012 scholarship or the Grand Rapids Audubon Club.