2026-27 Utom Conservation Fund Scholarship
Offered by Utom Conservation Fund
About this scholarship
The 2026-27 Utom Conservation Fund Scholarship plans approximately ten $2,000 grants for students who live within Southern California's Utom River watershed. Eligible applicants are high-school seniors, junior- or community-college students, and undergraduate college or university students. The consortium seeks young people who care about the watershed's wildlife, culture, native plants, water, and environmental future; tribal members, including members of unrecognized tribes, receive special consideration. The direct Jotform application asks for an essay explaining the applicant's passion for the environment and the Utom watershed. Students who have completed an environmental project may describe it, while newcomers may explain what they hope to do. The sponsor prefers a response of no more than 500 words. Applicants also need a reference letter from academic staff confirming enrollment at the current institution. An optional unlisted YouTube video of one minute or less may supplement the application. The fund is managed by conservation and tribal partners, including the California Native Plant Society, Center for Biological Diversity, Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, and Wishtoyo Chumash Foundation. Applications close September 1, 2026.
Eligibility
- Be a high-school senior, junior- or community-college student, or undergraduate
- Reside within the Utom River watershed in Southern California
- Demonstrate interest in the environment and the Utom River watershed
- Complete the direct Jotform application
- Submit an environmental-interest essay, preferably no more than 500 words
- Provide a reference letter from academic staff confirming current enrollment
- Submit all required materials by September 1, 2026