Scholarships

The Joseph G. Schotthoefer Memorial Student Award Safari Club International – Michigan Involvement Committee

The Safari Club International – Michigan Involvement Committee (SCI-MIC) is a non-profit organization composed of representatives of each of the Michigan chapters of SCI. The Committee coordinates collaboration between SCI, its Michigan chapters, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR); provides scholarships and grants to graduate students; and supports other wildlife conservation and education activities deemed appropriate by the organization. 

The Joseph G. Schotthoefer Memorial Student Award

Goal: To preserve and perpetuate the right to hunt and the commitment to conservation within the wildlife profession and potential future leaders of the DNR.

Purpose: To provide financial assistance to graduate students working on thesis-based university research projects associated with the preservation of hunting.

Fund Financing: A minimum annual fund of $3,000 has been established by SCI-MIC to finance the grant program. Additional grants may be awarded if funding is available. Grants will be divided among successful candidates and amounts may vary depending upon the number of awards and the fund balance.

Award Duration: Duration: The grant will be available for use between September 2027 and April 2028. An award recipient can compete for additional grants in subsequent years with other applicants. If invited by participating SCI chapters, awarded students will be required to visit the chapter to provide updates on their research at least once during the year of the award.

How to Apply

To Be Eligible:

  1. Student must be accepted or enrolled (through spring semester 2028) in a Wildlife or related discipline graduate program (MS or PhD) at a college or university in Michigan.
  2. Must be planning a career in the Wildlife Management field.
  3. Student must be familiar with hunting, hunting ethics, the role of hunting in wildlife management, and hunting’s role in society.
  4. If enrolled in a MS or MA program, it must be a thesis-based degree.

Application

There is no separate application form. Please send a resume which outlines your background and current contact information, along with three letters of reference from individuals knowledgeable about your skills and experience, including a letter from your research advisor confirming eligibility for this award. Additionally, in 500 words or less, provide a response to the question: “Twenty years from now, what should the elements of wildlife management be, and what role do you see yourself playing in this profession?” On all materials submitted, please include your name and graduate institution where enrolled.

Submit application by February 28th, 2027.

Selection Process

An SCI-MIC committee will review application materials and interview selected finalists in April 2027.

Send all materials electronically by February 28, 2027 to
Scott Overweg, contactus@scimic.org

moose field