The Ron Vellekamp
Environmental Scholarship

2012 Criteria and Application Guidelines

What the Award is.  The Ron Vellekamp Environmental Scholarship is an unrestricted $1000 award that was established in 2001 to assist college-bound high school seniors who excel in their studies and who plan to use their talents and expertise in the service of environmental protection.  Each year, one winner is chosen from among this year’s graduating class to receive this unrestricted award.

Before reading further, please note:

Only students who reside or attend school within the boundaries
of the Hackensack River Watershed are eligible to apply. For a complete list of watershed communities, go to: www.hackensackriverkeeper.org/links or call Hugh Carola at 201-968-0808.

In addition to the above restriction, all applicants must:

1. Have been accepted by an accredited college or university for the
   Fall 2012 Semester, and;
2. Plan to major or minor in one of the natural sciences or other appropriate subject, and;
3. Demonstrate a strong personal commitment to the environment.

The application procedure.  The application (see below*) must be submitted by the high school on behalf of the student nominee.  Each school may nominate one student for the award.  We suggest that the nomination come from the student’s guidance counselor or faculty advisor. 

*The application. On high school letterhead, please list: 

1. The student’s name and complete contact information including home phone and e-mail address.
2. The name of the nominating school and complete faculty contact information.
3. A 150-word essay (written by the nominee) discussing the reasons why he or she should receive the Scholarship.

 Please enclose the following with the application: 

1. A copy of the student’s current high school transcripts.
2. A copy of the Letter of Acceptance from the college or university where the nominee will be (or is seriously considering) attending classes in the Fall 2012 Semester.
3. A description of the student’s extracurricular activities as regards environmental / conservation issues (e.g. Environmental Club membership, Scouting merit badges & awards, participation in local conservation efforts, membership in environmental organizations, applicable hobbies, etc.)  

All nominations MUST be postmarked no later than April 23, 2012
and mailed to:

Ron Vellekamp Environmental Scholarship

c/o Hackensack Riverkeeper

231 Main Street

Hackensack, NJ 07601

The decision-making process.  A panel comprised of Hackensack Riverkeeper Trustees and staff will review all applications. The winner of this year’s Ron Vellekamp Environmental Scholarship will be chosen no later than June 1, 2012; and the award presented no later than June 30, 2012. If possible, the award will be presented publicly at the school’s annual awards event. The winner will also be featured in the upcoming 2012 issue of Hackensack Tidelines, the official publication of Hackensack Riverkeeper.