List of Available Scholarships
Carr Family Scholarship
Description - The Carr Family values environmental conservation and wishes to provide an annual scholarship to a Watsonville Wetlands Watch program graduate who demonstrates an ongoing interest in learning about the environment and its preservation.
Eligibility Criteria - For any graduating high school senior who participated in any Watsonville Wetlands Watch program and will attend an accredited college or university. This scholarship is open exclusively to young women.
Award Amount - $1,000 over 1 year. Awardee must remain enrolled full-time (12 units minimum) and be in good academic standing (2.0 overall GPA).
Make a Difference Scholarship
Description - Established by Patricia Rodriguez, founder of the local farmers market El Mercado Popular, this scholarship honors her belief in the power of community service. This scholarship supports alumni committed to serving their communities and making a meaningful difference.
Eligibility Criteria - For any graduating Pajaro Valley High School Senior who participated in the Wetland Stewards program and has demonstrated an exceptional dedication to community service throughout high school.
Award Amount - $500 award
Haifley Family Scholarship
Description - The Haifley Family Scholarship supports students passionate about environmental conservation and committed to continuing their education. Established to encourage the next generation of environmental leaders, this scholarship is awarded annually to a graduate of Watsonville Wetlands Watch’s Wetland Stewards or CCLI Program pursuing higher education at an accredited institution.
Eligibility Criteria - For any graduating high school senior who participated in any Watsonville Wetlands Watch program, enrolling full-time at a public college or university, with a minimum course load of 12 units per semester. To receive the second year of funding, the recipient must remain enrolled full-time and maintain a minimum 2.0 overall GPA.
Award Amount - $4,000 paid over 2 years.
Hofmeister Scholarship
Description - Established in 2010 by Laura Hofmeister, the Hofmeister Wetland Steward Scholarship Fund supports students who have demonstrated a commitment to environmental conservation and stewardship. Laura’s passion for wetlands and youth education was inspired by her mother, Ruth Hofmeister, who played a key role in helping Watsonville Wetlands Watch build the Ruth Hofmeister Greenhouse in 2005. This scholarship honors their legacy by investing in the next generation of environmental leaders.
Eligibility Criteria - For any graduating high school senior who participated in any Watsonville Wetlands Watch program entering a two-year college or four-year university. Funds must be spent on school-related expenses.
Award Amount - $1,000 award to two recipients
Marion Palm Scholarship
Description - The Marion Palm Scholarship supports young women who are passionate about the environment and considering a career in the field. By investing in the next generation of female environmental leaders, this scholarship aims to empower students to continue their education and make a lasting impact in the field of conservation.
Eligibility Criteria - For any graduating high school senior who participated in the Wetland Stewards program, is female and thinks that they are interested in an environmental career.
Award Amount - $2,000 award
Mintz Scholarship
Description - Established by Jan and David Mintz, retired public school teachers, this scholarship honors their commitment to supporting students who may not have the same opportunities they did. This scholarship aims to provide financial support and encouragement for students dedicated to making the world a better place.
Eligibility Criteria - For any graduating high school senior who participated in any Watsonville Wetlands Watch program and demonstrates a passion for learning, environmental stewardship, and community service.
Award Amount - $1,000 award to one recipient
Opportunity Scholarship
Description - This scholarship was established by an anonymous donor who believes deeply in creating student opportunities and ensuring they feel cared for and loved. Their vision is to support alumni determined to pursue their dreams and may need financial assistance to take the following steps in their education or career.
Eligibility Criteria - For any graduating High School senior who participated in any Watsonville Wetlands Watch program and may not otherwise have access to educational opportunities.
Award Amount - $1,000 award to one recipient or two $500 awards at the discretion of the scholarship selection committee.
Thomas Family Scholarship
Description - The Thomas Family values the protection and restoration of the Watsonville Wetlands and is dedicated to educating young people in Watsonville. The awardee will demonstrate an ongoing interest in learning about the environment and its conservation.
Eligibility Criteria - For any graduating High School senior who participated in any Watsonville Wetlands Watch program and will be attending an accredited college or university pursuing an environmental career.
Award Amount - $2,000 award
The Kreitzenberg Scholarship
Description - Established by Janet Kreitzer and Ted Altenberg, retired PVUSD teachers and WWW volunteers, this scholarship aims to provide multi-year financial support and educational opportunity to young women from the Pajaro Valley.
Eligibility Criteria - For any graduating high school senior who participated in any Watsonville Wetlands Watch program and is pursuing post-secondary education at a community college, vocational/trade school, college, or university. This scholarship is open exclusively to young women. Preference is given to applicants from the community of Las Lomas, alumnae of Hall District Elementary School, and people of los Pueblos Indíginas. Applicants may express interest in any field of study; preference is given to applicants interested in studying science, math, or education/teaching.
Award Amount - $1,000 award to one recipient, renewable yearly for continued support of post-secondary education (community college, vocational/trade school, bachelor’s degree, and graduate studies). The recipient will provide a transcript demonstrating academic good standing to Watsonville Wetlands Watch to reapply at the end of each academic year.
Application Instructions
To apply for our alumni scholarship, follow these steps:
- Review the eligibility criteria - Make sure you meet the requirements for the scholarship(s) you’re interested in.
- Answer the four application questions - Write clear, thoughtful responses to each question. Be honest and share your experiences, goals, and passion for environmental stewardship or community impact.
- Apply - You should receive an automated response letting you know that your responses have been submitted after your submission.
- Check the deadline - To be considered, you must submit your application before the stated deadline. Late applications will not be accepted.
Good Luck! We look forward to learning more about you and your journey.
FAQ for Applicants
Contact Information
For inquiries about our scholarships, please do not hesitate to contact:
Stephanie Rios
Director of Education Programs
stephanie @watsonvillewetlandswatch.org
(831) 728-1156
Apply now!
The application deadline is February 28, 2027, at 5:00 PM. Late submissions will not be considered.
Voices of Support
Rebecca Haifley
"The reason I fund a scholarship with Watsonville Wetlands Watch is because I think that the students who have participated in this program will have a sense of environmental stewardship that they will carry with them into all aspects of their lives."
Laura Hofmeister
"Learning about the Wetlands Stewards Program inspired me to donate annual scholarships. Having high school Wetland Stewards teach and lead younger students is a wonderful way to ensure the future of our important wetlands."
Rich Palm
"[My wife] Marion thought everyone needs a hand up in life and education could be the key to their future. She really admired the youth programs at WWW and would be proud she is contributing to a person's education."
Lleni Carr
"I value habitat health and natural beauty, and I believe that widespread environmental education is the best path to human survivability. One way I contribute to those goals is giving college funds to high school seniors in the Watsonville Wetlands Watch program who plan to pursue environmental studies. I choose to support Watsonville Wetlands Watch because it does such an excellent job of preparing students in terms of scientific knowledge, public service, personal development, and environmental equity. It is important to me to give funds to women because they so often have been overlooked in science fields. "
Interested in funding a scholarship for WWW program participants? Contact Brooke Sampson, Development and Communications Director, at .
Watsonville Wetlands Watch reserves the right to use submitted quotes for fundraising and promotional purposes. Quotes from surveys will remain anonymous. Quotes from scholarship applications may be attributed.
2027 Scholarship Application
Please answer the following questions using between 75 and 250 words per essay question.