FOSZ Conservation Scholar Program

This annual scholar program supports the next generation of conservation-minded professionals by awarding the Robert Klemm, PhD, Conservation Scholar Award. The award covers an active college student's expenses related to a field conservation project, and is named in honor of Sunset Zoo's first Director of Conservation and Research, Robert Klemm, PhD.  The Friends of Sunset Zoo will fund up to three awards of up to $2,000 each in 2023. This year's deadline for applications is Wednesday, April 5, 2023, 5:00 PM CST.
 
Robert Klemm, PhD, Conservation Scholar Awards may be used for direct costs related to the Scholar’s field work, including research that helps protect species in the wild, or protection of species or ecosystems in situ; awareness-building through informational/educational materials conducted on behalf of a non-governmental organization (NGO) that publicizes conservation; or outcome-oriented education programs that target an audience that directly impacts the species or habitat of concern. The complete definition of “field conservation” can be found on the AZA website.

To Apply:

All required documents must reach Friends of Sunset Zoo – Attn: Scholar Program, 2333 Oak Street, Manhattan, KS 66502, by postal mail or email no later than Wednesday, April 5, 2023, 5:00 PM CST.  The application can be found here.

Reporting Requirements:

Upon notification of award, all awardees are expected to submit a short, engaging video introducing a non-scientific audience to their project that can be posted to social media, like Instragram and TikTok.  Videos should be submitted to Sunset Zoo by May 31, 2023.
 
Awardees will be required to submit a final impact report to the Friends of Sunset Zoo by the same means in which they applied for the grant.  Impact reports are due at the end of the following school year, which will be May 2023 for this cycle.  Information provided in the impact report will be posted on Sunset Zoo's Behind the Science website.  The impact report form can be downloaded here.
 
The FOSZ Board of Directors is the sole body responsible for determining the Robert Klemm, PhD, Conservation Scholar Awards. Applicants will be notified of the Board’s decision in writing by the President of the Friends of Sunset Zoo Board.