FDRD Scholarship Spotlight

This spring FDRD had the honor of awarding a couple $1,000 scholarships to two local Summit High seniors. This was the first time we offered an FDRD Scholarship, but we will continue the tradition for years to come. We recently caught up with Jessica and Jeremiah, our scholarship recipients, and asked them a few quick questions about college life and their connection to FDRD:

FDRD: What college are you going to?

Jessica: I am attending the University of San Diego, in San Diego, CA. (Go Toreros!)

Jeremiah: I am attending Colorado School of Mines

FDRD: What are you studying?

Jessica: I am currently planning to double-major in Environmental Studies & Ethnic Studies as well as minor in Spanish.

Jeremiah: Civil Engineering

FDRD: What are your favorite activities outside of school?

Jessica: When I am not studying I love going to the beach, hiking in Tecolote Canyon and going into town to get shrimp tacos.

Jeremiah: When I am not studying, I enjoy running the trails of Golden or spending time outside with friends.

FDRD: How were you involved with FDRD in the past?

Jessica: From the time I was in elementary school I became involved with FDRD doing trail work, and as time progressed I remained a volunteer with FDRD through S.O.S Outreach. Every summer I looked forward to spending time outside with other kids in the community and working on different projects to conserve our beautiful outdoors.

Jeremiah: I was involved with outdoor stewardship and trail maintenance through trail projects hosted by FDRD and Summit County Open Space and my Eagle Scout Project where I worked with Summit County Open Space to install a boardwalk in Summit Cove.

FDRD: What do you miss most about Summit County?

Jessica: What I miss most about Summit County is the gorgeous sunsets and seeing friendly/ familiar places around town.

Jeremiah: I miss the ski mountains of Summit County most, but Golden is not too far away and still has a great view of the mountains.

The 2021 Scholarship application process will open on December 2nd, 2020 and we encourage all interested seniors to apply! Please read over the criteria below and apply through this link.

FDRD will offer one $1,000 scholarship to be awarded to a qualified applicant who has demonstrated a commitment to the outdoors in a volunteer capacity as well as shown an interest in improving public lands. There is no income or GPA requirement for this scholarship.  Requirements:

• Currently a senior at Summit High School
• Pursuing a degree program with an environmental science, natural resources, or outdoor recreation emphasis.
• Volunteered previously with an outdoor stewardship organization (such as but not limited to the Friends of the Dillon Ranger District). Paid summer work with FDRD’s Summit Youth Corps may be used in lieu of volunteering.
• A short essay (minimum one paragraph, maximum one page, double spaces) about your experience volunteering with an outdoor stewardship organization as well as how you hope to use your degree to better our public lands.

Preference will be given to applicants who have completed a Rocky Mountain Youth Corps (RYMC) program in Summit County or have volunteered through FDRD.