Robert B. Coyle Scholarship Fund
Are you interested in a future in wildlife biology, entomology or botany? Maybe you see yourself as a future forester, park ranger or fisheries technician? Even if you're only looking to expand your natural history skills, this scholarship is for you!The Athol Bird and Nature Club has proudly established the Robert B. Coyle Scholarship to support our members in advancing their learning and understanding of natural history. The ABNC is a diverse organization supporting many areas of natural history and scientific research. This Scholarship program is modeled after the Brookline Bird Club “Bill Drummond Young Birders scholarship”. We will distribute a sum of $3500 across at least two scholarships. The awarding of scholarships will be made by the Athol Bird and Nature Club Board of Directors.
The Robert B. Coyle Scholarship program is open to students 12 years old or older including undergraduate and university students, and also non-traditional learners. Those with an active interest in wildlife and natural history are encouraged to apply. While anyone can apply, we will prioritize awarding scholarships to active members and for programs located within the New England region. If you are currently or will soon be pursuing a degree in natural sciences, we will consider awarding a scholarship to assist with cost of course(s) and materials.
See below for a list of recommended (but not limited to) programs, seminars and course opportunities:
- Eagle Hill Institute seminars
- Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp
- Hog Island Audubon Camp
- Native Plant Trust courses
- Harris Center Environmental Studies Institute courses
- Mass Audubon Field Naturalist Certificate Program
- Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition workshops
- North Branch Nature Center – Biodiversity University courses
All components of the application and recommendations must be received by midnight, March 17th, 2026.
The announcement of the scholarship awards will be made by April 15th, 2026.
Applications for the scholarship will be weighed on the applicant’s choice of a course, camp, or program, how that program supports the educational goals of the applicant and the applicant’s history of giving back to the community. If an applicant is unsure of the applicability of the program they wish to attend, they may direct questions to Scholarship@atholbirdclub.org.
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We appreciate the cooperation of our neighbors: Mount Grace Land Trust, Northfield Bird Club, Northfield Mountain Recreation Center, Ware River Nature Club, Hampshire Bird Club for sharing their events with our members
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