The Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA) is planning to award one $1,000 scholarship in the spring of 2025 to those planning to start post high school education in the fall of 2025. Applicants will come from the geographic area served by the US Forest Service – Salida Ranger District and will demonstrate an interest in recreation and natural resource management.
GARNA, through community collaboration, inspires a conservation ethic by providing educational opportunities and experiences so that those who live, work and play in the Upper Arkansas Valley are motivated to take care of the natural resources and leave a legacy of responsible use of the natural environment. GARNA is dedicated to supporting the many avenues of natural resource careers and to the development of young people who, like GARNA, are nature centered and community driven.
The inspiration of the Memorial Scholarship is to honor Brett Beasley, who was a partner and friend to GARNA and employee of the US Forest Service – Salida Ranger District, who passed in January of 2017. One of Brett’s core values, as a steward of public lands, was to provide for a diversity of high-quality education and volunteer experiences in the Upper Arkansas Valley.
Eligibility:
1. Preference will be given to applicants who reside in and around Chaffee County.
2. Applicants must be starting their post-high school education in the Fall of 2025.
3. Preference will be given to those who’ve maintained a cumulative 3.0 grade point average (GPA) or higher, though volunteerism, experience with local public lands and trails, and a passion for the outdoors and natural resources will also be weighed.
4. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in recreation and natural resources.
The application is complete when the following materials have been received. Deadline for applications is May 1, 2025.
1. Completed official application. (This form).
2. A current resume.
3. A 750-word (maximum) essay on your natural resources experience, passion, volunteerism, and career interest.
4. Two letters of recommendation from people unrelated to you. Letters by other students will not be accepted.
The Scholarship fund is supported by individual donors – want to support a youth? Donate to the fund here.
GARNA works with communities of the upper Arkansas River valley to foster the stewardship of the region’s natural environment and the resilience of our communities.
