GRAND ISLAND, Nebraska -- College students pursuing careers in natural resources are encouraged to apply now for the CPNRD-Ron Bishop Memorial College Scholarship. Applications must be postmarked by June 30, 2025, for consideration for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The Central Platte Natural Resources District (CPNRD) will award five $1,000 scholarships to students enrolled in accredited natural resources programs. Eligible applicants must be college sophomores, juniors, seniors, or graduate students majoring in a qualifying natural resources-related field. Students must either reside within the CPNRD boundaries—from Gothenburg to Columbus along the Platte River—or have a parent who does. Previous applicants and past recipients are welcome to reapply.

Since its inception in 2007, the CPNRD scholarship program has awarded financial support to 136 students. In 2014, the program was renamed in honor of Ron Bishop, CPNRD’s former general manager who served from 1972 to 2013.

Don’t miss this opportunity—the June 30 deadline is fast approaching.
Download the application at cpnrd.org/education/scholarships, or contact Marcia Lee at (308) 385-6282 or lee@cpnrd.org for more information.

Eligible Majors Include:

• Agriculture: Agronomist, Engineer, Business Representative, Applied Science/Diversified
• Biology
• Civil, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering
• Conservation or Natural Resources Management
• Environmental/Natural Resources Education
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Geology or Geological Engineering
• Grazing Livestock Systems
• Hydrology or Hydrogeology
• Soil and Water Conservation
• Soil Engineering or Soil Conservation
• Rangeland Management
• Vocational/Agriculture Education
• Water Resources Specialization
• Other careers related to natural resources