Conservation Scholarships Available for Illinois High School Seniors

The Illinois Conservation Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2026 Conservation Achievement Scholarships, which will award up to four one-time scholarships of $2,000 to Illinois high school seniors who are committed to protecting the state's natural resources.

The scholarships recognize students who have shown sustained volunteer involvement in conservation efforts, including work that preserves or promotes Illinois' lands, waters, and wildlife. One scholarship each year is reserved for a dependent of an Illinois Department of Natural Resources employee.

Since the program began in 2005, the foundation has awarded nearly $200,000 in scholarships to Illinois students who plan to continue their conservation efforts through education and public service.

Applicants must be Illinois residents and seniors enrolled in an Illinois high school during the year the scholarship is awarded. Applications are due March 1. More information and application materials are available at https://www.ilconservation.org/Scholarships.