The North American Gamebird Association (NAGA) announced a new scholarship opportunity offered in memorial to the late Jeannine Kuhl, whose work with Kuhl Corporation has been an essential part of the gamebird industry.

The purpose of this scholarship is to increase awareness of, and support career opportunities in, the gamebird industry, defined as the raising of pheasants, chukar, quail, Hungarian partridge and other upland gamebirds. It may also include strongly related fields like recreational upland gamebirds hunting clubs, veterinary science or research programs for gamebirds. It's the responsibility of the applicant to prove the relatedness of the field in the required essay.

This is a one-time $2,500 scholarship, awarded in increments over two years. The total amount will be paid in $750 increments each of the first two semesters the first year and $500 each semester for the second year. Continuous enrollment in an acceptable program must be maintained or graduation status attained to be eligible for this award. The award will be paid directly to the academic institution on behalf of the awardee.

Funding for the scholarship is through private sponsorship by Elkhorn Farms & Hatchery, administered through the North American Gamebird Foundation (NAGF).

Criteria for Award:

• Financial need, specifically total costs and deficit incurred, additional scholarships sought and received.
• Academic achievement, shown by grade point average, test scores, etc. While applicants gifted in hands-on practical and physical skills may not always test highly in academics, a passing grade point average is required, and effort and diligence documented by letters of recommendation from academic associates provided.
• Extent of community involvement and leadership skills. Extracurricular and community activities show a well-rounded individual who has the skills to lead others.
• Work history and/or previous achievements in gamebird related fields. Being already involved shows a serious intent to continue in the field.
• Writing skills, demonstrated by an application essay indicating value of this scholarship, future goals and plans. Communication skills in the form of writing is a way to communicate a message with a larger audience. This essay may be adapted for use in the North American Gamebird Association publication, the NAGA News.
• While membership in the NAGA is not required, preference will be granted to those showing an interest in the trade association of the gamebird industry.

Application Procedures:

• Completed applications should submitted via the website form (www.northamericangamebird.com) or sent to the NAGF, either in print form via mail to 5195 Hampsted Village Center, PMB 242, New Albany, OH 43054-8331 or electronically as a single PDF file, to info@northamericangamebird.com, clearly marked as Gamebird Scholarship. Entries must be received by August 1, 2019.
• All components of an application must be included to be considered for processing. Incomplete applications will be discarded.
• The staff of Elkhorn Farms & Hatchery will narrow the field of applicants to 10, based on the criteria listed above.
• From that pool of applicants, the scholarship committee of the NAGF will select the finalist by August 30, 2019. The finalist will be contacted via phone and letter from the NAGF.

Announcement:

Results from the scholarship will be announced on the NAGA website, published in the November/December issue of the NAGA News, and distributed through outdoor sports news outlets.