Forestry Leader Scholarship

Established in 2017 by a very charitable and anonymous WWOA member, the Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association Forestry Leadership Scholarship aims to carry forward WWOA’s educational mission in a partnership with the forestry program at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Since it’s establishment, our very generous members have joined this cause with the interest of educating future generations on the value of sustainable forestry and ensuring private woodland owners will always have access to well-trained foresters.

With a passion for sustainable forest management, WWOA’s mission, since 1979, is to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the beauty and utility of the woodlands. WWOA works to bridge the gap between private woodland owners and natural resources professionals by offering year-round educational opportunities and promoting the value of sustainable forestry throughout the state of Wisconsin.

Contributing

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Visit the donations page of our website to make an online donation to the fund. Be sure to specify in your payment notes that the donation is for the scholarship fund.

If you prefer to donate using a check, please send us a note expressing the donation should go to the scholarship fund, along with a check payable to WWOA.  Mail to WWOA, PO Box 285, Stevens Point, WI 54481.

How to Apply

Find the ONLINE APPLICATION, here.
Our Annual Scholarship application period is November 1st – January 1st.

Eligibility

  • Enrolled full-time at UW-Stevens Point in the fall semester of the year of application
  • Major in Forest Management
  • Have at least two semesters remaining after the spring semester when scholarship is awarded
  • Resident of Wisconsin
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8
  • No handwritten applications will be accepted
  • All parts of the application must be complete and included
  • Must be willing to attend the WWOA’s Award Banquet in September 2025.
  • WWOA’s Executive Director and/or President will also attend the UW-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources Celebration Evening in April 2025 meet the recipient.

Required Documents

  • Application
  • Unofficial transcript
  • Resume
  • Essay response

Selection Criteria

  1. Demonstrated passion for sustainable forestry in Wisconsin
  2. Proven commitment to and regularly practiced service above self
  3. Experience in the forestry field or relevant summer work
  4. Preference given to students who have been WWOA members for the past 3 years or related to WWOA members who have been WWOA members for the past 3 years.

Submission

  • Submit all materials to WWOA office or mail to WWOA, PO Box 285, Stevens Point, WI 54481
  • Must be received or postmarked by January 1, 2025
Questions? 

Contact the WWOA Office at 715-346-4798 or wwoa@uwsp.edu.

Scholarship Recipients

2024 – Brandon Schott

2023 – Noah Frei

2022 – Sydney Ellis, Garret Dament

2021 – Tou Ger Vue

2020 – Steven Krueger, Colby Powers, and Brody Fischer

2019 – Violet Thielke

2018 – Travis Wollenberg

 

WWOA proudly announces the 2024 recipient of the Forestry Leader Scholarship, Brandon Schott!

 

2024 Recipient:
Brandon Schott of Sauk City

Brandon is a sophomore at UW-Stevens Point with plans to graduate in May 2026 with a major in Forest Management.

Prior to his beginnings at UWSP, Brandon won first place at the state level for Future Farmers of America wildlife management proficiency and a gold rating nationally. This came about after reading WWOA pamphlets given to him by a neighbor, and then implementing what he learned to improve 8 acres of family-owned property in the Driftless countryside. He realized he could make a living doing this and made the decision to pursue a degree in Forest Management. Through his studies and coursework, his eyes have been opened to the ecological functions of the forest and he’s been able to observe interactions that he’s never seen before. Aside from his studies, Brandon is an avid outdoorsman, who enjoys bow-hunting and fishing. He is currently serving as Secretary for the UWSP ice fishing club. Over the summer, he was able to gain experience through the U.S. Forest Service in Montana and plans to return to the west upon graduation to build his career for a few years before coming back home to the state of Wisconsin. He told WWOA that through his position with the Forest Service, not only did he learn about timber sales, but also how to be a man, showing that land stewardship isn’t just about the growth of a healthy woodland, but also the growth of character in those that care for them.

Do you know someone who could benefit from this scholarship? WWOA accepts applications from November 1 – January 1 annually. The scholarship award is split between two semesters, with the selected student receiving a total of $5,000.

Thank you so very much to all the WWOA members who have made this scholarship a reality!