One of Central New Mexico Audubon’s main focuses is to help further science and outdoor education in our community. We believe that educating the next generation in science and conservation is key to the survival of our ecosystem. For that reason, we support children of all ages, as well as outstanding teachers, in whatever way we can. We offer scholarships for both students and teachers, support local science fairs and provide mentoring to nature loving children in Albuquerque and across the state! The Education Committee is one of the standing committees on our board and one of our main focuses as an organization. This page was developed to showcase the work that we do as well as to provide information on how apply for scholarships and find out about opportunities for kids!
The Ryan Beaulieu Memorial Education Fund
| Background | Eligibility & Requirements | Application & Deadline | Reports |
This scholarship fund was established to give testimony to the living legacy of what Ryan gave to all of us as family, friends, and community.
Ryan Beaulieu was a young ornithologist, environmentalist, and conservationist whose love of the Earth and all its creatures and his desire to protect them was but one example of his spirit and wisdom beyond his years. He was 17 years old when a tragic accident took his life on August 27, 2005, during a birding trip in eastern New Mexico. Ryan was a member of the Central New Mexico Audubon Society, New Mexico Ornithologist Society, The American Birding Association, The Rio Grande Nature Center, Rio Grande Bird Research Group, and an originator and principal bander of the Rosy-Finch Research Project at Sandia Crest. Ryan’s gift was his love for bird watching and his connection to nature. His life was filled with the joy of exploration and discovery of nature, and this sustains his family, friends, and the birding community of which he was a part. This scholarship fund was established to share birding, nature, and conservation activities with other young people.
The amount of funding available varies. Selection of the scholarship recipient is made by the Central New Mexico Audubon Society’s board. The scholarship award will be paid directly to the program the participant will be attending. Transportation required to participate will be the sole responsibility of the individual scholarship recipient.
For more information on Ryan’s life visit his memorial page by clicking here.
Eligibility & Requirements
1. The scholarship is open to youth between the ages of 6 to 20. CNMAS accepts applications from across the United States but preference is given to residents of New Mexico. CNMAS board members and their families are not eligible for the scholarship fund.
2. The scholarship can be used to attend a specific program/camp/course or research project pertaining to the candidate’s interest in the natural sciences.
3. Awardees will be asked to provide a written report appropriate for their age about their experience that will be used by CNMAS on our website and/or in our newsletter, The Burrowing Owl.
Deadline
Scholarship applications must be received by January 15th. Applicants should look ahead in the calendar year to apply for a scholarship for any activity they would like to be considered for. Applications will be reviewed and an applicant will be selected at the February CNMAS Board meeting each year.
Application
Application for this award includes an application form, letters of reference, and a personal statement. To apply please download the Application Packet (click to download) and submit materials and any questions to the CNMAS Education Committee. The application is also available in spanish (haz clic aqui para espanol) The application must be printed and can be typed or handwritten and should be mailed to Central New Mexico Audubon Society, Education and Scholarship Chair, P.O. Box 30002, Albuquerque, NM 87190-0002. Selection of the scholarship recipient is made by a committee of the Central New Mexico Audubon Society’s board, and education committee. The scholarship award will be paid directly to the program the participant will be participating in. Transportation required to participate will be the sole responsibility of the individual scholarship recipient. We also recommend that you contact the Education Committee prior to submitting an application to confirm a proposal is appropriate and that the grant is still available.
If you have any questions, please contact the CNMAS Education Committee via email at cnmasgrants@gmail.com.
Reports
Atlantic Puffin (Photo by Owen Sinkus)
Funded in part by the Ryan Beaulieu Memorial Education Fund, Owen Sinkus attended Victor Emanuel Nature Tours’ Camp Chiricahua. To read his report of the experience, click the following highlighted link: Owen Sinkus Report.
(Scroll through the PDF file that opens in a new window.)
Elegant Trogon (Photo by Matthias Benko)
Funded in part by the Ryan Beaulieu Memorial Education Fund, Matthias Benko attended Hog Island Audubon Camp. To read his report of the experience, click the following highlighted link: Matthias Benko Report.
(Scroll through the PDF file that opens in a new window.)
Female Dusky Grouse (Photo by Jo Fine)
Funded in part by the Ryan Beaulieu Memorial Education Fund, Jo Fine attended the ABA Camp Colorado. To read his report of the experience, click the following highlighted link: Jo Fine Report.
(Scroll through the PDF file that opens in a new window.)
Mentoring
Do you know a kid who’s interested in learning more about the natural world? Central New Mexico Audubon does not have a formal mentoring program as of yet, but we do know lots and lots of people who love to teach kids about nature. If you know a child who is interested in learning more and you just don’t know where to take them we can help connect them to classes, walks, talks and responsible mentors in just about any outdoor field. Just shoot us an email!
Note that we do not allow young children to attend field trips without a parent or guardian present.