Awards are allocated based on a variety of factors, including eligibility, merit and financial need. Financial need will be determined by completed FAFSA applications. UMN students and non-UMN students are welcome to apply. Students are not applying for a specific scholarship. If your ability to take field courses is dependent on scholarship funding, there is not a penalty for enrolling then later unenrolling. Students will be notified of awards by the end of April. If you have any questions about applying for Itasca scholarships, please email IBSL@umn.edu.

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Application opens February 23, 2023

Application deadline: March 21, 2023

2023 Scholarships

• Denneth and Joan Dvergsten Itasca Summer Award Fund

  This scholarship supports deserving students who take summer research courses at Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories.

• Itasca Director's Scholarship

  Established in 1988, this scholarship recognizes the contributions of the directors of Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories in shaping and advancing the field station as a place for hands-on student research. The scholarship is awarded to students interested in taking summer field research courses at Itasca.

• Darby and Geri Nelson Itasca Summer Scholarship

  This scholarship supports deserving students who take summer research courses at Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories.

• James C. Underhill Scholarship

  James C. Underhill, who earned his Ph.D. in zoology from the University of Minnesota in 1956, was a faculty member from 1959 until his retirement in 1993. He also served as curator of fishes for the Bell Museum of Natural History, where he continued to work until his death in 2000. As a field biologist, his expertise focused on the ecology of Minnesota’s lakes, rivers and streams, and the fishes that inhabit them. He taught summer field biology courses at Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories for many years and trained numerous Ph.D. students. Underhill co-authored two books about Minnesota fish. His scholarship enables outstanding students to conduct research or take field biology courses at the field station

• Janet S. Boe Memorial Scholarship at Itasca

  This scholarship was established to honor Janet Boe (M.S. Botany ’81) and recognize her passion for the natural world. Boe’s husband, Thomson Soule, created this scholarship in her memory to support students engaged in field research at Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories. The field station and the surrounding Itasca State Park were an integral part of Boe’s life. She made many visits to the park over the years, and both she and Soule took classes at the station and eventually wed at Itasca.

• Ben Thoma Scholarship at Itasca

  Ben Thoma first visited Itasca State Park in 1955 as a student for a summer session at the station. Later Ben returned to Itasca State Park as a seasonal park naturalist in the summer months from 1959 to 2003. Living and working at Itasca State Park were important parts of Ben's life. This scholarship provides support to CBS students taking summer courses at the Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories. Recipients of this award should demonstrate high academic ability as well as financial need.

• Red-Shouldered Hawk Scholarship

  This scholarship supports deserving students who take summer research courses at Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories.

• Itasca Graduate Research Fellowship

  Robert Megard, a professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior from 1962 until his retirement in 2006, taught field biology research at Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories. Roberta Megard, a former member of the St. Paul City Council, often accompanied him. Their fellowship supports graduate students who conduct research at Itasca.

• Mantrap Valley Conservation Club Itasca Scholarship

  This scholarship supports students who take summer research courses at Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories.

Scholarship Acceptance Agreement

If you are awarded any of the Itasca scholarships listed above:

• You will be asked for your permission to disclose information in your scholarship application to the donor(s) of the scholarship you are awarded.
• You are expected to write a thank-you letter to the donor(s) of your scholarship and local students are expected to attend the CBS Recognition and Appreciation Dinner held in fall 2022.
• You will be asked for permission to include your name/and or photo in publicity, advertising, or philanthropic efforts.