The National Wild Turkey Federation’s Dr. James Earl Kennamer Scholarship Program

The NWTF will accept scholarship applications beginning November 1 on the following webpage: https://your.nwtf.org/scholarships

 Selection Process and Deadlines:

Students must apply using the official online NWTF scholarship application form https://your.nwtf.org/scholarships.  Incomplete submissions will not be considered.  Students must have ALL documents available for upload before beginning the application process. No paper applications will be accepted.

 Scholarship applications must be completed and submitted online for review and consideration by the local chapter by January 1, 2023.  Local chapters will forward winners to the State Chapter Scholarship Chairman by February 1, 2023.  State chapters must have their winner selected by March 1, 2023. The National scholarship committee comprised of NWTF volunteers and staff will select the National winner by April 1, 2023.

 Winners may not be notified until their high school awards banquet.

 The National winner will be recognized at the NWTF National Convention the following year.

 Scholarship description:

 Purpose:

The purpose of the NWTF Dr. James Earl Kennamer Academic Scholarship Program is to recognize and reward an NWTF member, who is currently a senior in high school, for their outstanding academic achievement, community involvement and leadership roles. The National Scholarship Winner will receive a $10,000 scholarship sponsored by Mossy Oak.

 Eligibility:

Students should be graduating seniors with a 3.0 on 4.0 scale or equivalent grade point average. (If transcript indicates a scale other than 4.0, student should have a minimum of 3.75 on a 5.0 scale, 4.5/6.0 scale, 5.25/7.0 scale, 6.0/8.0 scale, 6.75/9.0 scale or a 7.5/10.0 scale). Students must upload copies of transcripts for review. Finalist GPA and transcripts will be verified.

 Students must be pursuing a degree at an accredited institution of higher education (i.e. Junior College, Community College, Technical College, College or University).

 Students must actively participate in hunting, support the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage. A copy of current hunting license is required.

 Students must be a current NWTF member. If they are not a current member of NWTF, they can visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF to join. Students can request an ID number from our membership department to include with the application for membership verification purposes.

 Students must be involved in school extra-curricular activities (i.e. FFA, Ecology Club, Science Club, Beta Club, Student Council, etc.).

 Students must demonstrate leadership among his or her peers.

 Students must demonstrate community leadership and/or involvement (i.e. 4-H, civic group or club, scouting, volunteer work).

 Students must upload an essay (400 word limit) exhibiting dedication to conservation and preserving our hunting heritage. Essay must include:

·         why the applicant will be a good investment if awarded this conservation scholarship

·         any experiences and background that demonstrate their dedication to conservation and the preservation of our hunting heritage

·         why hunting is important to him/her and/or their family

 Students must upload two letters of recommendation, preferably one from an NWTF leader and another from a teacher, counselor, community, clergy, etc. (do not include relatives)

 Employees and national board members of the NWTF and their family members are not eligible to participate in the program.

Disbursement of Funds:

 Students may use their scholarship at any accredited institution of higher education (i.e. Junior College, Community College, Technical College, College or University). The money must be used for tuition, books, fees and housing. This is a one-time award.

For questions regarding the scholarship or issues submitting applications, please email Teresa Carroll at tcarroll@nwtf.net.