In 1978, friends and associates of Kenneth E. Grant established a scholarship program in his name when he retired as administrator of the Soil Conservation Service. The Kenneth E. Grant Research Scholarship provides financial aid to members of SWCS for interdisciplinary graduate-level research on a conservation topic that will extend the SWCS mission of fostering the science and the art of soil, water, and related natural resource management to achieve sustainability.

Research Topic

Research funds will be awarded for an interdisciplinary investigation that examines methods of conserving or improving land management and water quality. Research proposals should show the use of an investigative methodology that demonstrates an understanding of the relationships between various disciplines and suggests an approach integrating this knowledge into action.

The Scholarship Committee encourages submission of research proposals to investigate the following topics:

•     Managing land for sustainability
•     Measuring effects of conservation practices

Research proposals investigating the implications of a biofuel based economy or locally grown foods are encouraged.

The recipient of the 2010 grant will complete the investigation and submit a progress report by January 2011, with a final report submitted to SWCS by June 2011.

Amount

One research scholarship of $1,300 is expected to be awarded for the 2010 topic.

Eligibility

An applicant for the research scholarship must:

•  be a member of SWCS;
• have demonstrated integrity, ability, and competence to complete the specified study topic;
• be eligible for graduate work at an accredited institution; and
• show reasonable need for financial assistance.

Applications

No specific forms are required.

The applicant should submit, in three pages or less, a proposal for completing the specified project. Included in the proposal should be material supporting the applicant’s ability to meet the eligibility requirements outlined above.

Applications may be submitted by email to: sueann.lynes@swcs.org. You may also submit applications by U.S. Postal Service (1 copy only) to: SWCS-Scholarship, 945 SW Ankeny Rd., Ankeny, IA 50023.

Applications must be received by February 12.