A Wheatley-based non-profit organization has launched two scholarships for students passionate about the environment and conservation.
The two $1,000 awards from the Southwest Outdoors Club will be open for the next two years to students attending Fleming College in Peterborough. The scholarships are aimed at students who believe in protecting and improving the natural environment and outdoor heritage through education and conservation.
The SWOC Memorial Bursary was established to honor the memories of past members. It is open to second-year students in the fish and wildlife program who from the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, Windsor or Essex County. The first bursary was recently awarded to a Chatham resident.
The SCOC Academic Award is meant to recognize a student who shares the organization’s values “and who will actively work to protect and improve the environment for our fish and wildlife,” a news release said.
The award will be presented to a graduating student of the conservation and environment law enforcement program with a high academic standing. The student must also come from Chatham-Kent, Windsor or Essex County.
The outdoors club was established in 2002 and has over 150 members. The organization hosts fishing and archery events, as well as educational and social events for members, and sponsors programs in schools.
More information is available at swoc.ca.