This scholarship is made possible by an endowment from Russell A. Cookingham, former Director of the Division of Fish and Wildlife. It is intended to assist qualified undergraduates in the wildlife/fisheries or conservation education/communication field with college and related expenses. The NJ Chapter of The Wildlife Society manages the endowment fund and awards the scholarship.

Students who have completed at least one half of the degree requirements for Wildlife/Fisheries majors or Conservation Education/Communications majors may be eligible for this $1000.00 scholarship. (Conservation Education/Communication majors must have at least 15 credits in the biological sciences to be eligible). Students must reside permanently in New Jersey. New Jersey residents attending school out-of-state are eligible.

The application form must be completed along with two letters of recommendation, a cover letter and an official copy of your transcripts. The deadline for receipt of application and supporting documents is November 1. The award will be made by December 31 each year.

Russell A. Cookingham Scholarship Application Form (pdf, 12kb)

Send all information by November 1 to:

Cookingham Scholarship
Attn: Ted Nichols
NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife
2201 County Rt. 631
Woodbine, NJ 08270

Direct questions to: Ted Nichols at Ted.Nichols@dep.nj.gov.

The NJ Chapter of The Wildlife Society maintains a list of past winners on their website.