Project Apis m. Announces the 2022 USA PAm-Costco Scholarship!

We are pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2022 USA PAm-Costco Scholarship.

The application period opens on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, and the application deadline is on Friday, April 1, 2022, at midnight EST.  

Learn more about the PAm-Costco Scholarships and past PAm-Costco Scholars at: ProjectApism.org/PAm-Costco-Scholars

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Download this announcement, and application instructions here.

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2022 PAm-Costco Scholarship Awards for Honey Bee Health  

​Scholarship:  In 2013 Costco and Project Apis m. (PAm) launched the first PAm-Costco Scholarship Program.  Costco has an admirable commitment to sustainability, and is a champion supporter of honey bee research, recognizing it as an investment to ensure an ethical and sustainable food supply.   
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Investing in research that has real and practical impacts on the sustainability of honey bee health, honey production and crop production is the foundation of the PAm-Costco partnership.  Sustainability is often defined in terms of resource management, but another component of sustainability is developing intellectual expertise by supporting those who will help solve problems in the future: tomorrow's bee scientists. The students who receive this PhD Scholarship award bring new energy, ideas, and expertise to the fold of scientists pushing the frontiers of bee health research. This award is an investment in the next generation of leaders to innovate and support beekeepers and pollinators. 
 
This program, in the USA and Canada has awarded over $740,000 USD and $140,000 CAD to impressive up-and-coming bee researchers who are committed to a better future for bees.  These scholars have made significant contributions and important discoveries through their research, been recognized with awards of merit, published peer-reviewed academic articles, and continue with dedication to solve the mysteries and challenges that bees and beekeepers face.  The PAm-Costco Scholarship Program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students to pursue research-based doctoral degrees in fields within the Project Apis m. mission of enhancing honey bee health while improving crop production.  
 
Program: Open to candidates within a Ph.D. program in any Agriculture, Apiculture or Entomology department in the United States.  The PAm-Costco Scholar will be involved in clearly identifiable and defined bee health issues.
 
Qualifications: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a science or agriculture-related field. It is preferable that the candidate have some working experience with bees, and published papers in apiculture.  The individual must demonstrate potential for significant achievements in honey bee health science and research, and a commitment to working in the field of honey bee research after completing graduate work.
 
Financial Support: Up to three years continuous support for graduate education and research will be
provided in annual increments up to $50,000, based on qualifications.  In cases where a student is already receiving financial awards, the award amount will be determined on a case-by-case basis. 
 
Application Deadline: Friday, April 1, 2022, midnight EST
 
Funding Requirements: The successful applicant will sign a written commitment with Project Apis m. that will require the following elements to receive funding: 

1. Provide a report semi-annually to Project Apis m. on December 31 and June 30 of each funded year.  The report will include funding objectives, progress toward objectives, milestones, impediments, goals for the subsequent reporting period, and a financial update. 
2. Annually present research at a national, regional, state or major beekeeper meeting. 
3. Pursuit of Ph.D level education diligently and without unusual interruption.
4. Judicious and responsible use of funding.
5. Commitment to three consecutive years full-time equivalent to honey bee research upon attaining Ph.D

 
Contact: Patty Shreve at Patty@ProjectApism.org  with questions
 
How to Apply: 
To apply, please follow these instructions:

1. Upload your application and supporting documents via our online portal by Friday, April 1, 2022, midnight EST
2. Applications that do not follow the format outlined herein, or are submitted after April 1, 2022, midnight EST will not be considered.
3. Submit all application materials as outlined below, in a single .pdf document with pages in the order below.
4. Use the following file naming conventions for the submitted document: Date(YYYY_MM_DD)_Lastname_Firstname_PAmCostcoScholarshipApplication
5. Documents required:

• Application (items 4-9 below not to exceed 350 words each).  Use this number convention in your application:​

1. Name, address, phone, email
2. University information – for both graduate and undergraduate colleges provide college, academic department, major, overall GPA, research advisor name, phone and email address
3. University where student has been accepted or is currently enrolled in a PhD program
4. Proposed field of study and project details
5. Other financial awards already secured or applied for (if any), program cost requirements, and proposed use of funding, include budget using this template
6. Career goals
7. Prior beekeeping experience
8. Personal statement about your interest in honey bee health
9. Contributions you have made to honey bee health science (research, studies, published papers, etc.)

• Video, provide a 3-minute video in .mp4 format that may include your approach to science, spirit of collaboration, examples of innovation in your life as well as addressing your interest in bee health. Your video should be snappy, surprising, in good taste, and convince our review committee that your qualities and determination will benefit the beekeeping industry, and well represent the PAm-Costco award. Videos over 3 minutes will not be accepted.

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• Curriculum vitae, not to exceed 2 pages

• Letters of Recommendation, submit two, one must be from the graduate advisor, not to exceed 1 page each.

• University Transcripts

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• Other documents may be submitted, however they should be carefully chosen and directly related to the application.