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Scholarships for hard-working and high-achieving students

You’ve worked hard in your classes and have a career plan — and we want to support you as you continue to make an impact both inside and outside of the classroom. In order to ensure that you receive maximum scholarship consideration, review our scholarship information carefully and pay attention to all deadlines.

Scholarship applications for undergraduates are typically available from September through January, via Scholarship Central, but you must apply for admission before you can apply for scholarships.

More than $411,000 in scholarships for CNRE students

That’s how much we awarded for the 2022-2023 academic year to 117 undergraduates. Our scholarships include both need-based and merit-based awards, and you’ll apply for both through Scholarship Central. Be sure to log in as soon as you have applied for admission to check deadlines and additional requirements such as letters of recommendation.

  • Beyond Boundaries Scholars Program

    Amount: Varies
    The Beyond Boundaries Scholars Program supports students from underserved communities and high-achieving students who may need to choose among competing schools based on financial aid. All of the following donors have funded awards: Harold Burkhart, John and Mary Lou Harrison, Michael Hincher, Brenton and Charlotte Keefer, Michael and Kathy Melo, and Stephen Prisley.
  • Thomas M. Brooks Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $2,450
    Established by Thomas M. Brooks, whose life was devoted to the proper utilization of Virginia’s forest resources. He was a strong advocate of sound management practices and a leader in the industry.
  • Camp Ottari Nature Instructor Scholarship

    Amount: Up to $2,000
    Awarded to a CNRE student who works for a summer as a nature instructor at Camp Ottari Scout camp in Pulaski County, Virginia. If the student is a Life or Eagle Scout, a member of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, or has worked more than one summer at Camp Ottari, the scholarship is increased by $500.
  • William M. Carter Memorial Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $1,200
    Established by family and friends of William Marvin Carter, a 1952 graduate in forestry and wildlife.
  • Chesapeake Foundation Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $1,800
  • CNRE General Scholarship Fund

    Amount: Varies
  • CNRE Honors Endowment Fund

    Amount: Varies
  • Dean’s International Study Scholarship

    Amount: $750
    Established by J. Michael Kelly, former dean of the College of Natural Resources and Environment, and his wife, Candi, in recognition of the value of international experiences. This scholarship has two application periods: October 1 to November 1 for winter and spring programs, and February 1 to March 1 for summer and fall programs.
  • John and Janet Doughty Endowed Opportunity Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $12,000
    Established by John and Janet Doughty to support student recruitment and retention. Scholarship available to current and prospective students pursuing any major within the College of Natural Resources and Environment.
  • A.E. "Jim" Evans Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $2,000
    Established through a bequest from Mr. A.E. “Jim” Evans of the Class of 1941.
  • Charles J. Gose Jr. Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $1,400
    Established by Charles J. Gose Jr. to fulfill the need for an endowed scholarship to benefit students in the College of Natural Resources and Environment.
  • Gray Lumber Company Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $1,500
    Established by Senator Elmon T. Gray in memory of his father, the Honorable Garland Gray, state senator and founder of the Gray Land and Timber Company.
  • International Paper Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $1,500
    Established by the Union Camp Charitable Trust, now managed by International Paper, to support students in the College of Natural Resources and Environment.
  • Thomas H. Jones Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $3,500
    Established by Thomas H. Jones, a 1938 Virginia Tech alumnus and great friend of the College of Natural Resources and Environment.
  • Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Newbill Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $1,550
    Established by Thomas C. Newbill, a 1957 engineering graduate with an interest in forestry, and his wife, Sallie.
  • William O. Ross Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $1,150
    Established by William O. Ross, friend of the College of Natural Resources and Environment.
  • Jack Sheldon Scholarship

    Amount: $800
    Established in honor of Jack Sheldon by the Sheldon Lumber Company.
  • Honorable and Mrs. Shelton Hardaway Short Jr. Memorial Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $2,000
    Established by Dr. Shelton Short III as a memorial to his parents, the Honorable and Mrs. Shelton Hardaway Short Jr., recognizing their strong and keen interest in the well-being of Virginia’s forest lands.
  • John D. Smith Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $1,000
    Established by Barbara B. Smith in memory of John David Smith.
  • Richard B. Vasey Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $5,900
    Established by students, friends, and colleagues of Dr. Richard Vasey, retired faculty member, to honor their friend, advisor, and mentor.
  • Robert L. and Esther S. Youngs Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $4,100
  • Camp-Younts Foundation Scholarship in Wildlife (renewable)

    Amount: Approximately $1,200
    The Camp-Younts Foundation and its trustee, Hal S. Atkinson, are valued friends of Virginia Tech. Atkinson is the nephew of Virginia Tech alumnus Laurie Vaughn Atkinson ’48. He has a deep passion for the conservation and management of wildlife game species and wishes to support the education of students in this field.
  • Class of 1952 Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $1,200
    Established by Dr. Lewis Lancaster, a 1952 graduate in forestry and wildlife, for the purpose of supporting undergraduate students in the field of fish and wildlife conservation.
  • Kathryn M. Fabrycky Memorial Scholarship (renewable)

    Amount: Approximately $2,100
    Established by Wolter J. Fabrycky, the John L. Lawrence Professor Emeritus of Industrial and Systems Engineering, this scholarship honors the memory of Kathryn M. Fabrycky, the beloved daughter of Wolt and Luba Fabrycky. Kathryn served as an administrative assistant in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation from 1989 until her passing in 2004. During her career, she provided valuable assistance and support to the department for many important wildlife research projects, including a number of studies on black bears.
  • Robert H. Giles Jr. Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $1,400
    Established by his family and friends to honor Dr. Robert Giles Jr., retired professor in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation.
  • Henry S. Mosby Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $1,225
    Established to honor Henry S. Mosby’s long career in and dedication to wildlife education. Dr. Mosby was involved with graduate and undergraduate wildlife students from the mid-1940s until the early 1980s. He served as the wildlife research unit leader and was named the first department head when the fish and wildlife department was established in 1972.
  • Martha Pennington Orth Memorial Scholarship

    Amount: $1,400
    Established by Dr. Donald J. Orth in memory of his wife, Martha.
  • Michael B. Wagner Memorial Scholarship

    Amount: $1,500
    Established in memory of the 1996 fisheries and wildlife graduate by his parents, Barry and Donna Wagner, his family, and his many friends.
  • Zimmermann Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $2,100
    Established by Anne Zimmerman ’79, who CNRE has recognized with the Gerald E. Cross Alumni Leadership Award. Zimmerman believes her education and leadership training at Virginia Tech helped broaden her career path and influenced her to pursue leadership positions in forestry and wildlife, and she would like to help students who are also planning careers in the field.
  • Peter P. Feret Memorial Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $1,400
    Established by family and friends in memory of Dr. Peter P. Feret Sr., faculty member and advisor.
  • Richard Foster Urban Forestry Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $1,450
    Established by Richard Foster, a friend of the College of Natural Resources and Environment, the Virginia Urban Forest Council, and friends.
  • Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation General Scholarship Fund

    Amount: Varies
  • Jeffrey Andrew Fuerst Memorial Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $2,900
    Established in memory of Jeffrey Fuerst, undergraduate student in forestry, by his father, Frank Fuerst, his family, and friends.
  • Herman W. Gabriel Scholarship (renewable)

    Amount: Approximately $33,000
    Established in honor of Herman William “Bill” Gabriel, whose dream of a life in the mountains came true when he was able to attend Virginia Tech through the help of a Virginia Academy of Sciences Scholarship and a state scholarship. After earning his degree, he worked for the U.S. Forest Service for 32 years at sites ranging from Alaska to Ecuador. After retiring from government service, he became a writer and photographer, and his work appeared in Audubon, Discover, Natural History, Time, and U.S. News. He funded this scholarship because, “My idea has been to help individual students realize their dream of a life among the trees and the birds, just as I was enabled by help from others. I guess that behind all this is a love for the outdoors, coupled with a desire to raise a new generation of foresters who will care for the health of our environment. I just want to help students, one by one, so they can go on to greater things.”
  • Harry L. Haney Jr. Scholarship

    Amount: Up to $4,200
    Established to honor Garland Gray Professor Emeritus of Forestry Harry L. Haney Jr., the scholarship provides support for students pursuing a degree in forestry.
  • Elizabeth A. Ingalls Forestry Scholarship (renewable)

    Amount: Approximately $2,400
    Established by Elizabeth A. Ingalls ’77, who was one of the first females hired by the Tennessee Division of Forestry. After working to track fire statistics and educate groups about fire prevention, she earned her MBA and pursued a career in business. Ingalls feels her life was shaped by Virginia Tech, and she would like to provide future students with the same opportunities from which she benefitted.
  • Forrest Ray Lewis '68 Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $1,100
    A scholarship for undergraduate students majoring within the Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Concertation who have demonstrated financial need.
  • George B. and Mary Emma Ragsdale Endowed Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $2,600
  • K.S. Rolston Memorial Industrial Forestry Operations Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $500
    Established by family and friends to honor K.S. Rolston, a dedicated forester, past president of the American Pulpwood Association, and friend to the college.
  • George M. Simmons Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $11,000
    Established by Jeffrey Rudd ’83, who believes that the scientific and policy analysis of water resources, quality, and conservation are essential for the development of sustainability plans in both the public and private sectors. This award, which was named in honor of Professor George M. Simmons, will assist students financially and recognize their outstanding qualifications to solve water’s economic, environmental, and social challenges.
  • Gretchen and Clyde Smith Memorial Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $3,400
    Established by Professor Emeritus David William Smith, family, and friends in honor of his mother and father.
  • J. Russell Smith Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $2,000
    Established by Miles Merwin in memory of his friend, J. Russell Smith.
  • Timberland Management and Investments Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $2,100
    Established in honor of John E. Green III, a proud alumnus of Virginia Tech who earned his bachelor’s degree in forestry and wildlife in 1970. While a student at the university, John was a member of the Forestry Club and Xi Sigma Pi. In 2004, he established the Timberland Management and Investments Company.
  • Thomas A. Walbridge Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $1,700
    Established by colleagues, students, and friends of Thomas A. “Doc” Walbridge, professor emeritus of the College of Natural Resources and Environment.
  • Urban Forestry Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $1,500
  • Laurence William “Bill” Carstensen International Study Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $2,000
    Established by the Carstensen family to honor Professor Emeritus of Geography Bill Carstensen. The scholarship is available to CNRE undergraduates in good academic standing with demonstrated financial need who have been accepted into a university-sponsored study abroad program. Preference is for students in the Department of Geography, but if no students qualify from that department, other students may be considered.
  • Rt. Rev. William Loyall Gravatt Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $2,375
    Established in honor of the Rt. Rev. William Loyall Gravatt, D.D., second Episcopal Bishop of West Virginia, 1899-1939.
  • Sidman P. Poole Endowment in Geography

    Amount: Varies
    Established by Rachel Poole in memory of her husband, Sidman P. Poole, professor of geography.
  • Victor Clay Barringer Endowed Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $3,800
    Established in honor of Victor Clay Barringer and given by Coastal Lumber Company Inc., which he founded in 1937. Today it is one of the largest privately held forest products companies in the United States. Victor Barringer’s father, Paul B. Barringer, was president of Virginia Tech from 1907 to 1913. Coastal Lumber Company is now guided by Victor Barringer’s grandson, Victor C. Barringer II, president and CEO.
  • Center for Forest Products Business and Lora L. and Martin N. Kelley Family Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $2,800
    The Center for Forest Products Business was established in 1991 as a collaborative effort among the forest products industry, trade associations, state/federal government agencies, and Virginia Tech’s Department of Sustainable Biomaterials to provide a competitive advantage for the forest products industry through supplying modern marketing and management information and training to students and industry personnel.
  • G. Scott Francis Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $2,650
    G. Scott Francis was the founder and president of the Carolina Paper Board Company. He was a 1936 graduate of Virginia Tech from the Department of Dairy Science.
  • Bryan W. Graeser Memorial Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $2,100
    Bryan Wingate Graeser was a student studying wood science and forest products when he died in 1998 from bone cancer. Hank and Peggy Graeser and family of Chester, Virginia, founded this scholarship in Bryan’s memory. This scholarship was started in 1999 to assist other students in the department in realizing their dreams. The Graesers hope that recipients will, in their own way, develop the qualities of perseverance, hope, and thankfulness that Bryan showed in his short time at Virginia Tech.
  • Geza Ifju Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $800
    Established in honor of Dr. Geza Ifju, the founding department head of the Department of Wood Science and Forest Products (now the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials), by family, friends, and alumni.
  • Morgan Lumber Company Management Team Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $2,700
    Established in appreciation of the Morgan Lumber Company’s relationship with Virginia Tech, to recognize the contributions of the management team toward the company’s success and the value of the wood science and forest products programs at Virginia Tech.
  • George and Mary Ragsdale Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $1,325
  • Steven A. Sinclair Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $1,000
    Steven A. Sinclair was a professor with the Department of Wood Science and Forest Products (now the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials) and an internationally recognized leader in the field of forest products marketing. Dr. Sinclair started the forest products marketing program at Virginia Tech in the early 1980s. He also initiated the Center for Forest Products Marketing and Management (now the Center for Forest Products Business) and served as its first director. Upon his death in 1993, many friends, colleagues, former students, and Center for Forest Products Marketing and Management members contributed to a scholarship fund in Dr. Sinclair’s name.
  • E. George and Marianne Stern and Jean Stern Fromberg Memorial Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $4,600
    Established in memory of E. George and Marianne Stern and Jean Stern Fromberg. Dr. Stern was the former director of the Sardo Pallet and Container Research Laboratory at Virginia Tech. The late Jean Fromberg was the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Stern. The scholarship was endowed by Mrs. Stern, the Stern family, and friends.
  • Wood Enterprise Institute Entrepreneurial Scholarship

    Amount: $500
    The College of Natural Resources and Environment and the Whitehurst family share a commitment to developing the next generation of entrepreneurs for businesses dealing with natural resources. Every year, the scholarship seeks up to eight exemplary students who will participate in leadership roles to collaboratively manage the Wood Enterprise Institute (WEI) program.
  • John D. Farmer Jr. Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $4,800
  • Georgia-Pacific Corporation Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $4,800
    A one-year merit scholarship to students pursuing a forestry major.
  • John F. Hosner Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $4,800

    Established by the Virginia Forestry Educational Foundation to honor the contributions of Dr. John F. Hosner to forestry in Virginia and his role at Virginia Tech. Dr. Hosner became the head of a fledgling Department of Forestry and Wildlife in 1961. With his vision and drive, he was instrumental in growing the department to the School of Forest and Wildlife Resources, which ultimately became the College of Forestry and Wildlife Resources, now known as the College of Natural Resources and Environment.

  • Morgan Lumber Company Scholarship

    Amount: Approximately $2,000
    Morgan Lumber Company is a privately held manufacturer of southern yellow pine lumber. The scholarship assists with the cost of tuition to an outstanding student in sustainable biomaterials. The recipient must have prior work experience through a job, summer internship, or co-op. Preference will be given to students with experience in softwoods and solid wood products.
  • Victor W. Stewart Scholarship

    Amount: Varies from approximately $1,000 to $3,500

    Established by the Virginia Forestry Educational Foundation in recognition of the contributions of Victor W. Stewart to forestry in Virginia.

  • Mable Stuermann Scholarship

    Amount: Varies from approximately $3,300 to $4,500 
  • William August Stuermann and Mable Beard Stuermann Scholarship (renewable)

    Amount: Approximately $17,000

    Mrs. Mable B. Stuermann endowed a scholarship program with the Virginia Forestry Educational Foundation to support undergraduate students in good standing in the forestry major. These scholarships may be awarded on a recurring basis. Recipients must remain in good academic standing after their first semester in order to retain the scholarship for their second semester.

When searching for scholarships, use free (and reputable) services like fastweb.com, finaid.org, and collegeboard.org.

Other sources for scholarships

Think of your scholarship search as a research project and look for funding sources beyond Virginia Tech. Again, the keys are to start your search early and pay attention to deadlines. A variety of organizations and companies offer support for students, so consider searching for scholarships related to:

  • Talents and interests
  • Community organizations
  • Religion or ethnicity
  • Local businesses or chambers of commerce
  • Your employer or your parents’ employers 
  • Your military status (or your parents’)

The following organizations also offer scholarship opportunities for students interested in fields of study within the College of Natural Resources and Environment: