Environmental Education Scholarships provided in partnership by the Keystone Elk Country Alliance and Seneca Resources Company, LLC.

Students who reside in Pennsylvania who are currently in their senior year of high school will have the opportunity to earn one of three $1,000 scholarships provided by the Keystone Elk Country Alliance and Seneca Resources Company, LLC. The amount of $1,000 is awarded once to the scholarship recipients. In order to be eligible for these educational scholarships, students must be accepted to attend a college or secondary vocational/trade school. They must also be majoring in or pursuing a career in an environmental field. (including but not limited to: Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Earth Science, Education, Environmental Engineering, Forestry, Botany, Wildlife and Fisheries Science, Sustainability, Parks and Recreation)

Applicants are required to submit a portfolio that includes:

– A typed essay (300-500 words) written in paragraph format about personal experiences and accomplishments in their lives that have inspired them to pursue the environmental field of studies, attributes they possess that will benefit them to be successful working in the environmental field, and the importance of this field of study to our future. Include a cover page with name, address, phone number, and high school attended.

-A letter of recommendation from the applicant’s former or current high school teacher.

-A copy of the letter of acceptance from the college/secondary education school that will be attended by the applicant.

This student portfolio should be submitted electronically to the Keystone Elk Country Alliance Education Department at ConEd@KECAUS.com

The recipients of these scholarships will be chosen by a panel consisting of KECA staff, KECA educational committee members as well as representatives from Seneca Resources Company, LLC.

Applications will be due by June 30th and the recipient will be selected by August 1st.

Ben Porkolab, KECA (Keystone Elk Country Alliance) Conservation Education Coordinator adds, “Seneca Resources Company, LLC. has been a significant partner of KECA and key supporter of our conservation education department for many years.  With monies from both the Keystone Elk Country Alliance and Seneca Resources Company, LLC. these scholarships will be awarded to deserving Pennsylvania high school seniors each and every year. Students who pursue careers in conservation are passionate about the well-being of our natural world. KECA believes in supporting those who embrace conservation and the enhancement of Pa.’s elk country for future generations.”

KECA is a 501©(3) non-profit Conservation Organization headquartered at the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette, PA. More information can be found at ExperienceElkCountry.com

Seneca Resources Company, LLC, the exploration and production segment of National Fuel and Gas Company, explores for and develops natural gas and oil reserves in the Appalachia region. Additional information about Seneca and National Fuel Gas Company is available at http://www.nationalfuelgas.com

Contact: Ben Porkolab, Conservation Education Coordinator
814-787-5173, ConEd@KECAUS.com

Congratulations to our 2024 Conservation Education Scholarship winners: 

Alex Luckenbill, Benjamin Porkolab, Gianna Surra, Gracee Breindel, Jaidyn Goodman, Maria Catolano, Megan Emmert, Reese Fredder, Will Coughenour

From left to right:

Jaidyn Goodman, Reese Fedder, Gracee Breindel, Seneca Resources Representative- Trey Miller, Keystone Elk Country Alliance Conservation Education Coordinator- Ben Porkolab, Will Coughenour, Keystone Elk Country Alliance CEO & President- Jeff Gauger, Benjamin Porkolab , Seneca Resources Representative- Lauren Adair, Alex Luckenbill, Keystone Elk Country Alliance Board Member- Bob Bolt

~ Scholarship recipients missing from the photo Gianna Surra, Maria Catalano, Megan Emmert.

Click here to join KECA’s Leaders of Future Conservation

The Keystone Elk Country Alliance is now recognized as a Top-Rated Nonprofit for 2021 according to the GreatNonprofits.org. To learn more click the link below!

Keystone Elk Country Alliance Reviews and Ratings | Benezette, PA | Donate, Volunteer, Review | GreatNonprofits