Calaveras Big Trees Association Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Calaveras Big Trees Association

## CBTA Scholarships — overview and 2025 cycle
**Program summary**
Calaveras Big Trees Association (CBTA) is one of the few Cooperating Associations that awards annual academic scholarships to students pursuing education or careers in environmentally related fields. CBTA is now accepting applications for the 2025 scholarship cycle. These awards support students who demonstrate a commitment to communicating and conserving the natural world.

Key takeaways:
- CBTA offers yearly scholarships for students in environmental fields.
- Applications are open for the 2025 cycle.
- Awards prioritize students committed to nature interpretation and conservation.

## Emily M. Hewitt Memorial Scholarship
**Background and intent**
This scholarship was established by the Hewitt family to honor Emily M. Hewitt’s life and dedication to nature education. Emily was an artist, author, teacher, and docent who created educational programs and presentations for visitors at Calaveras Big Trees State Park and blended literature with natural science in her teaching. The Hewitt fund recognizes students who share her passion for communicating nature’s wonders.

Key takeaways:
- Fund established by the Hewitt family in Emily M. Hewitt’s memory.
- Emily was an educator, artist, and park docent focused on nature interpretation.
- Scholarship honors students who communicate a love of nature.

## Stephen K. Stocking Memorial Scholarship
**Legacy and purpose**
The Stephen K. Stocking Memorial Scholarship commemorates Steve Stocking’s decades-long career as a biology teacher, park naturalist, author, and docent. Known for bringing the natural world to life—whether describing mice, songbirds, or sequoias—Steve emphasized experiential learning with the motto “Make every walk a field trip and every meal a picnic.” The scholarship aims to inspire the next generation of naturalists to follow his example in education and conservation.

Key takeaways:
- Created to honor Steve Stocking’s life and work in natural history education.
- Steve taught biology, served as a park naturalist, and authored educational material.
- Award encourages future naturalists and educators in conservation.

## Scholarship purpose and award amount
**Goals and criteria**
The scholarship provides a monetary award of $3,000 to a promising California upper-division or graduate student who demonstrates academic and career commitment to environmental study. Recipients should show a commitment to communicating and interpreting nature and an understanding of conservation practice. The award is intended to support students who combine technical knowledge with public engagement.

Key takeaways:
- Single award amount: $3,000.
- Targeted at upper-division undergraduates and graduate students in California.
- Emphasis on both environmental study and nature communication/conservation.

## Eligibility
**Who may apply**
Applicants must be enrolled full-time at an accredited California post-secondary institution and clearly demonstrate educational and career goals centered on communicating and interpreting nature. Students pursuing degrees in environmental protection, forestry, wildlife and fisheries biology, parks and recreation, park management, environmental law and policy, environmental art, or California history are encouraged to apply. Dedication to the scholarship’s ideals is weighted at least as heavily as financial need.

Key takeaways:
- Full-time enrollment at an accredited California institution required.
- Fields encouraged include a broad range of environment-related disciplines.
- Commitment to nature interpretation and dedication weigh heavily in selection.

## How to apply
**Required materials and submission**
A complete application must include: a 1–2 page personal and career goals statement; a current resume (and portfolio, if applicable); transcripts of all college work to date (unofficial is acceptable); and the completed application form. Submit the complete application by email to cbta@bigtrees.org or by mail; materials become the property of Calaveras Big Trees Association and will not be returned. If you submit artwork, include high-quality color photos of originals. Submit only one application; applicants will be considered for both scholarships with that single submission.

Key takeaways:
- Required: goals statement, resume/portfolio, transcripts, and completed form.
- Email applications to cbta@bigtrees.org or submit by mail.
- Materials are not returned; submit only one application to be considered for both scholarships.