CHS Scholarships

The “Virginia Beekeeping Teaching Consortium” program, offered in fifteen areas in Virginia, will host eight two-hour weekly in-person classes starting January 15th, 2026 at 7:00 pm in Woodstock. This is an exciting opportunity for new as well as experienced beekeepers.

In addition to the eight sessions, the program offers three field experiences at the Shenandoah County Beekeepers Club apiary located in the Seven Bends State Park. Students will work side-by-side experienced beekeepers receiving hands-on learning.

Led by EAS certified Master Beekeeper Brenda Kiessling as well as experienced beekeepers Amy Hodge and Scott Currie, the sessions welcome anyone who is interested in keeping honey bees, the great pollinators. Children (generally those fifth grade and older) are encouraged but must be able to sit through the two hour classes. 

A curiosity about bees and keeping bees alive in Virginia is the primary requirement to take the class. The class is aimed at those who want to keep bees, though becoming a beekeeper is not necessary to participate. In addition, anyone who has kept bees will find the class provides helpful information through subject matter and class discussions. 

Classes include information on purchasing equipment, obtaining honey bees, honey bee colony biology, management and location of hives, and floral sources appropriate for honey bees. The cost of the class is $95 per family. Cost includes three (3) books, an electronic copy of weekly lessons, reference materials, and a one-year family membership to the local club. In addition, each Shenandoah County student will work with an experienced mentor throughout the year.

Application deadline is December 31, 2025

Here is the direct application link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EfXuJS2TMcyDWCYFh9rp1pBuNAkgbdCrYe5wCdtYrho/edit?usp=drive_link

The Douglas Alumni Association wishes to present a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior of your school. The criteria for the scholarship is as follows:

• The student is connected to a family member that once attended Douglas High School in Winchester, VA prior to closing in 1966.

• The student must be accepted and enrolled in a two or four year institute of higher education.

• The student must have a need for financial assistance. 

Application deadline is April 15, 2026.

Here is the direct application link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sIjCKQMlnA6kxQK2ZPYlGiM5VAseEZTDxgbZ0cweEHc/edit?usp=drive_link

Purpose: To promote the education of Virginia citizens in technical fields with natural resource conservation and environmental protection.

To give financial support to students majoring in or showing a strong desire to major in a course curriculum related to natural resource conservation and/or environmental studies.

Qualifications: Individual applicants must be Virginia residents and full-time students enrolled in or who have applied to a college freshman level curriculum. Applicants shall document a class ranking in the top 20% of his or her graduating class or a 3.0 or greater Grade Point Average or appropriate equivalent of individual scholastic achievement. A copy of the applicant's most recent official school transcript must accompany the application. Applicants shall demonstrate active interest in conservation.

Only one applicant per district may be submitted. Applications should be made from the county the student resides or attends school. Eligible applicants must reside or attend school within a local Soil and Water Conservation District.

It is the responsibility of the districts to screen applications for eligibility in accordance with the criteria stated herein. Applications not fulfilling minimum criteria shall not be considered.

Amount Awarded: FOUR $2,000 scholarships will be given to statewide winners. Two scholarships are awarded on behalf of the VASWCD Education Foundation and two scholarships are awarded on behalf of the Virginia Chapter of the Soil & Water Conservation Society. A check will be issued directly to the selected institution of higher education on behalf of the student.

Application deadline is April 6, 2026.

Here is the direct application link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x5R6UUoiOQAKBcXOGZ-KLMRpqpkZ1f2L/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=112332516686405996940&rtpof=true&sd=true