GARNA Announces the 2023 Beasley Scholarship

The Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA) is planning to award one or more, $500 minimum, scholarship(s) in the spring of 2023 to those planning to start post high school education in the fall of 2023. The inspiration of the Memorial Scholarship is to honor Brett Beasley, who was a father, husband, partner, 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.

Applicants will come from the geographic area served by the US Forest Service – Salida Ranger District, including Chaffee County, 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.

Scholarship eligibility includes applicants who reside in and around Chaffee County. Applicants must be starting their post-high school education in the Fall of 2023. 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. 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. Please complete the Google Form at https://bit.ly/BeasleyMemorialScholarship and attach a current resume, a 750 word (maximum essay) and two letters of recommendation at the designated place in the form by end of day March 31, 2023.

To donate to the Brett Beasley Memorial Scholarship, contact GARNA at dominique@garna.org or 719-539-5106.