2025 Scholarship Information
To apply:
Students MUST submit three items: (1) cover letter, outlining their interest in outdoor communication; and a (2) 750 maximum word outdoor recreation-related article with/or without illustration, OR completed 1- to 3-minute outdoor recreation-related audio or video presentation; plus applicants must provide a (3) letter of recommendation from a professor or advisor.
The competition is open to any currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate student with a demonstrated interest in outdoor recreational communication.
Applications must be postmarked no later than March 31, 2025, and should be sent to: Laurel F. Steffes, Secretary, Wisconsin Outdoor Communicators Association, 33 Stacy Lane, Madison, WI 53716 OR CAN BE EMAILED TO wisoutdoorcommunicators@gmail.com.
The winning student will be notified by May, 2025.
Recipient is asked to attend the WOCA Annual Meeting, to receive the scholarship award and to present his/her paper or production. Conference fees, room and board will be paid by WOCA.
Winning papers or productions along with the image of the winning student may appear on the WOCA and OHEC websites.
Student will receive: a $2,000 one-time scholarship; award certificate; a one-year membership to the Wisconsin Outdoor Communicators Association and paid attendance to the 2024 annual conference where the scholarship award will be made. Student may also be offered a shadowing experience with a working outdoor writer, radio or television personality and is invited to a WOCA-organized fishing outing.
Questions: Direct questions to Laurel F. Steffes, Secretary, Wisconsin Outdoor Communicators Association; wisoutdoorcommunicators@gmail.com.
* Wisconsin Outdoor Communicators Association (WOCA) is an organization of outdoor writers, photographers, content creators, and radio and television communicators. Membership is open to anyone involved in outdoor communications. We meet annually to share our skills and knowledge, and provide a communications link among outdoor communicators.
* Outdoor Heritage Education Center (OHEC) in Hazel Green, Wisconsin, connects youth and adults with our natural resources. Founded in 1998 by Mark LaBarbera, OHEC’s mission is to increase the public’s understanding, appreciation and sense of stewardship for natural resources and professional resource management, including outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. Visit http://www.outdoorheritageeducationcenter.com/