Project Janszoon is delighted to launch a new conservation education scholarship which will support future environmental leaders from the Nelson / Tasman region.
The scholarship will provide former ATYA members with $1,000 towards further learning in the conservation, ecology or leadership fields. One scholarship will be offered annually for the next ten years and former Abel Tasman Youth Ambassadors will be eligible to apply.
“For a project like Project Janszoon, which aims to transform the ecology of the Abel Tasman over 30 years, it really is the case that today’s youth are the future stewards of the Park. This scholarship will support ATYA members to pursue their development as conservation and community leaders,” says Project Janszoon director Bruce Vander Lee.
Currently Motueka High School, Golden Bay High School and Motupipi Primary School are involved in the Adopt a Section and Abel Tasman Youth Ambassadors programmes and there are plans for the programme to be extended to further schools.
DOC education ranger Brooke Turner says the scholarship will be a reward for the hard work that students put into the programme.
Scholarship details
To provide opportunities for former ATYA students to continue building knowledge and skills and further their development as conservation and community leaders.
What: $1,000 scholarship offered each year from 2018 (for 10 years).
Eligibility: Students who have been an Abel Tasman Youth Ambassador (or previously Student Advisory Board member) at an adopt a section school.
Process:
- Application form completed in full and submitted by due date. Includes a letter in which the applicant
- Explains involvement in ATYA and what they have gained
- Talks about aspect of study they wish to use scholarship for
- Outlines why they believe they should be awarded scholarship
- Letter of support from either teacher/iwi/conservation group with application
- Applications assessed by 3 person panel
Criteria:
Applications will be assessed on the applicant’s potential contribution as a conservation and community leader for the Park and for New Zealand. The panel will consider:
- The applicant’s involvement in ATYA including how they’ve represented the programme and Project Janszoon as an ambassador
- The applicant’s demonstrated motivation and initiative in conservation/leadership and self-development
- The relevance and value of the proposed development opportunity and alignment with Project Janszoon project outcomes
Scholarship conditions:
- Scholarship to go towards further learning linked to conservation, ecology or leadership (e.g. university degree, training such as outward bound/NMIT ranger program).
- Scholarship must be used in year following application (i.e. apply in 2018, use in 2019).
- Provide evidence of scholarship use.
- A report or interview must be provided to the Project Janszoon board (details to be advised)
The Abel Tasman Youth Ambassadors and education programme is also supported by Abel Tasman Sea Shuttle which provides transport into the Park for the students.
