Student Opportunities

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Student Employment

CAFNRM students wanting to gain additional hands-on experience may apply for student employment at the University of Hawaii at Hilo Agricultural Farm Laboratory. Volunteer hours at Hilo veterinary clinics, the Humane Society, and the Panaewa Zoo provide valuable animal/veterinary experiences, and can also be used for credit in Animal Science 490.

College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management Achievement Grants

Achievement Grants for one semester will be awarded to full-time CAFNRM students with a one year academic track record at CAFNRM. These grants are primarily on the basis of academic achievement. Additional criteria includes financial need and service contributions.

Applications were available at the CAFNRM Office and a form-fillable application at CAFNRM ACHIEVEMENT GRANT APPLICATION 2011. Completed applications were due May 6, 2011.

Dr. Frederick K.T. Tom Memorial Scholarship

This annual $500 scholarship was established in memory of Dr. Frederick K.T. Tom, former Dean of the College of Agriculture at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo to assist full-time CAFNRM students in the completion of their studies. Must demonstrate financial need and have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5.

Applications were available at the CAFNRM Office and a form-fillable application at TOM MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 2011. Completed applications were due May 6, 2011.

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Chancellor's Scholarship

The Chancellor's Scholarship is equivalent to the amount of tuition. The value of the scholarship, by the end of four years, is in excess of $15,000. To be eligible for this prestigious scholarship, applicants should be Hawaiʻi high school seniors who are ranked in the top 10 percent of their class and have a grade point average of at least 3.5. Applications are available in December and can be downloaded from the UH Hilo web site (hilo.hawaii.edu), or can be obtained by contacting the UH Hilo Admissions Office (1-800-897-HILO or 974-7414). Application packets are also sent to high school counselors throughout the state of Hawaiʻi.

Student Equity, Excellence and Diversity (SEED) Scholarships

The SEED Office gives out over $1 million in scholarships per year. Simply submit only one application, and you will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible. More information and applications are available online at ww.hawaii.edu/diversity/scholarships/index.htm.

Big Island Association of Nurserymen

The Big Island Association of Nurserymen (BIAN) is awarding an annual scholarship of $1000 to a student in Tropical Horticulture at the UH Hilo CAFNRM. The scholarship is intended to foster academic growth inthe field of Tropical Horticulture.

More information and applications are available online at www.hawaiiplants.com/scholars.htm . Applications should be mailed to BIAN, P.O. Box 4365, Hilo, HI 96720 no later than JUNE 30th.

Hawaiʻi Florists and Shippers Association Endowed Scholarship - UH Hilo

The purpose of this fund is to assist full-time students who are Hawaiʻi residents and pursuing a degree in Agriculture at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo/College of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resource Management. This scholarship is part of the financial aid package administered by the UH Hilo Financial Aid Office.

The "Scholarship Opportunities Application" for UH Hilo is available online from early January at https://uhhhawaii.scholarships.nelnet.net/ .

Hilo Orchid Society Scholarship

A scholarship of $500 is available to a full-time resident, upper-division CAFNRM student who has an interest in horticulture, preferably orchid culture.

Application deadline is August 1. Contact Karen Kimmerle, HOS President 2008-2009 at phone (808) 965-7042, e-mail kimmerle@interpac.net

Hawai`i Island Landscape Association

The Hawai`i Island Landscape Association offers an annual $500 scholarship to applicants who are:

  • enrolled in their senior year at any high school on the island of Hawai`i or currently enrolled or planning to enroll in any college or university, or any institution of higher learning in a program in horticulture, landscaping or agriculture (The Green Industry);
  • able to demonstrate financial need.

Application must be complete with all supporting documents mailed to

Hawai`i Island Landscape Association
P.O. Box 1594
Kailua-Kona, HI 96745-1594
postmarked no later than April 30, 2011.

National Tropical Botanical Garden Horticultural Internship Program

The National Tropical Botanical Garden offers an internship program of work-study experience to college level students interested in horticulture, botany, ethnobotany, conservation, or science-related fields. The course covers a wide range of innovative topics and provides a unique experience that will help guide students in making informed decisions regarding their future academic and career paths. Lodging, airport transfer and ground transportation are available. Interns are responsible for their own airfares to and from Lihuʻe, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi, plus meals (approximately $25 per day). Interns will each receive a weekly stipend equivalent to the U.S. minimum wage. Applications are available at the NTBG website: www.ntbg.org.

The Garden Club of America

The Garden Club of America offers scholarships and fellowships for the study of Horticulture, Ornamental Horticulture, Tropical Botany, Ecological Restoration and much more. For an updated brochure, more application information, and for most applications check the website: www.gcamerica.org.

Hawaiʻi Federation of Garden Clubs

The National Garden Clubs, Inc, of which the Hawaiʻi Federation of Garden Clubs is a member, offers scholarships of $3,500 each to upper level undergraduates in various fields of agriculture, horticulture or forestry.

In addition to the National scholarships, the Pacific Region (8 western states) of the National Garden Clubs offers a $1,000 scholarship. Applications are judged on academic record (40%), character (35%), financial need (20%) and recommendations (5%).
More information is available at the CAFNRM Office or contact the

Hawaiʻi State Scholarship Chairperson
Dorothy J. Dale
95-107 Wekiu Place
Mililani, HI 96789
e-mail: dordale@lava.net
phone: (808) 625-6778
fax: (808) 623-3190.

Hawaiʻi Youth Conservation Corps

The Hawaiʻi Youth Conservation Corps is an internship program sponsored by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Land and Natural Resources, Kamehameha Schools, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and AmeriCorps. High school and college students engage in hands-on conservation experiences while working in remote and biologically sensitive areas on the islands of Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Mauʻi and Hawaiʻi.

The year-round internship program challenges participants, between the ages of 18-26, to learn the principles of natural resource stewardship and the importance of sustaining the unique natural environment of Hawaiʻi. Full-time participants will spend 10 months "in the field", be paid $15,000 with an additional $4,700 educational award and have health care benefits available. Part-time participants will receive an $8,000 living allowance and a $2,300 educational award.

The 7-week summer program is a team-based version of the year-round internship. Members (16-20 years of age) work in groups of 10 with two team leaders (21 years and older). Students are paid a stipend of $1,000 and may be eligible to receive three college credits from the University of Hawaiʻi.

Applications and more information are available on the following website: www.hawaiiycc.com. For inquiries, e-mail yccinfo@ponopacific.com or call (808) 247-5753.

Summer Internships and Experiential Opportunities

Contact Dr. Sharon Ziegler-Chong for further information on a variety of summer internships and experiential opportunities for students including the following:

PIPES: Pacific Internship Programs for Exploring Science

To be eligible for the programs, full-time students must be attending a college or university in the U.S. and pursuing, or intending to pursue, a bachelor's degree in science or agriculture. Selection is based on the application, academic record, skills, interests, successful interviews and how interests match with available internships.

  • University of Hawaiʻi Hawaiian Internship Program (UH-HIP) - This program links kama`aina undergraduates, with an emphasis on those of Native Hawaiian ancestry, to 10-week paid environmental internships with host agencies and organizations throughout the state of Hawaiʻi. Students will be responsible for completing a project that is specifically defined by the host agency, while also participating in daily agency activities. Housing is not provided, although efforts will be made to assign students to internships on their home islands, or where they can arrange with family or friends. This is a great opportunity for students to find summer employment in Hawaiʻi, while gaining valuable skills and experience in fields of conservation, resource mangement or environmental education.
  • Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU): Tropical Conservation Biology - This is a National Science Foundation funded 10-week research internship program based at the UH Hilo which is focused on gaining experience in tropical ecology, evolution and natural resources management. Interns work on mentored research projects with university and agency researchers. The goal of this program is to give those students who have limited or no research background the opportunity to gain invaluable experience in the exciting field of conservation biology. These are stipend-based, credit-bearing internships. Housing and some travel are provided. Native Pacific Islanders and other students from under-represented groups in science are encouraged to apply.
  • Micronesia and American Samoa Student Internship Program (MASSIP) - Internships are potentially available to students from Kosrae, Palau, the Marshall Islands, and American Samoa.

For more information, see the application website or contact the PIPES Office at uhintern@hawaii.edu or by phone at 933-0705. Students can apply online or print an application on the following website: http://hilo.hawaii.edu/uhintern.

Summer 2010 application instructions were available online at hilo.hawaii.edu/uhintern or by contacting the PIPES Office via email at uhintern@hawaii.edu or by telephone at 808-933-0705.
Application deadline was February 12, 2010.

Another experiential opportunity for students is the National Park Service Environmental Education. Contact Dr. Sharon Ziegler-Chong for futher information.

Dr. Sharon Ziegler-Chong, UH Sea Grant Extension Service

Pacific Aquaculture and Coastal Resources Center (PACRC)
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
200 W. Kawili St.
Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: (808) 933-0706
Fax: (808) 933-0704
Email: ziegler@hawaii.edu
Information available February

Kealoha STEM Program

Kealoha STEM Program is funded by the National Science Foundation, Tribal Colleges and Universities Program. The goal is to increase the number of UHH students of Hawaiian ancestry taking courses and/or majoring in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) disciplines. The Kealoha STEM Program offers research internships to UH Hilo students under supervision of faculty mentors. Generally, research will combine work in the field and laboratory, as well as computer based analysis and bibiographic research.
Download Internship Application along with descriptions of research from www2.hawaii.edu/~keaholoa/ . For further information contact:

Dr. Sonia Juvik
Director, Keaholoa STEM Program
Social Sciences Division
University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
200 W. Kawili St.
Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: 974-7648
Email: keaholoa@hawaii.edu or juvik@hawaii.edu
Fax: 974-7737

George Washington Carver Internship Program at Iowa State University

Students are matched with faculty mentors and have the opportunity to conduct research (for 8 weeks from mid June to late July) in areas of Agriculture and related sciences. Interns must be U.S. citizens or permanent resident with a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale and currently enrolled as an undergraduate in an institution other than Iowa State University. Interns receive a stipend of $2500, room and board and round-trip travel to and from Iowa State University.

Applications were due March 1, 2007. Selections were made April 16 and applicants notified.

More detailed information is available at the following website www.agstudent.iastate.edu/Minority _student_Programs-Summer_Internship_Program.html. Contact Nina Grant for any further questions:

Nina Grant
Director Multicultural Programs
College of Agriculture, Iowa State University
23 Curtiss Hall
Ames, IA 50011-1050
E Mail: nina1@iastate.edu
Phone: (515) 294-1701 or (515) 294-4519

Student Trainees

Part-time employment (may include weekends and holidays) as

  • VISITOR USE ASSISTANT - STUDENT TRAINEE at Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, GS-303-03
  • PARK GUIDE - STUDENT TRAINEE at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, GS-0090-03

Requirements include being at least a half-time student pursuing a degree, passing all course work with a 2.0 GPA (must provide proof of degree pursuing, grade point and registration) and ability to communicate orally and in writing. Trainee must wear the National Park Service uniform.

Pay includes 16.5% COLA; eligible to earn vacation and sick leave.

For specific requirements, duties and additional information, contact:
Terry Reveira, Chief of Interpretation
Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
Phone: (808) 328-2326 ext. 32
Applications are being taken until positions are filled.

Asian Pacific Islander Organization (APIO) in Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

The NRCS Asian Pacific Islander Organization promotes the belief that Asian Pacific Americans can play an invaluable role in filling a critical need for committed natural resource professionals to address the protection of our nation's natural resources, as well as to provide leadership in the wise use of our agricultural and recreational private lands. APIO serves as the primary link between the USDA-NRCS and the diverse Asian Pacific American communities. Asian or Pacific Islander applicants must be a U.S. citizen and enrolled as a degree seeking student in Agriculture, Natural Resources, or an NRCS related discipline. The APIO Scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic achievement, personal strengths, leadership abilities, career goals and work experiences. More detailed information and the application may be downloaded: www.apio.org.

The application period is from APRIL 1, 2008 to JUNE 30, 2008 for the five 2008 Awards. If you have any questions regarding the APIO Scholarship, please contact Terry Wang at (209) 472-7127, ext. 109 or Terry.Wang@ca.usda.gov.

Student Career Experience Program in the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

NRCS is an agency in the U.S. Department of Agriculture that works with local soil and water conservation districts to encourage and assist people in conserving the Nation's resources. The Student Career Experience Program offers paid, study-related employment to U.S. citizens who are seeking degrees in agriculture or natural resources (i.e,. Agronomy, Biology, Soil Science, Forestry) and civil engineering and is in good academic standing. Student may receive college credits. Career Experience students who have met the qualification requirements through education and experience are eligible to be converted non-competitively to a permanent position available in the U.S. within 120 calendar days of degree completion. For more information, call the Hilo Field Office at (808) 933-6957 or NRCS State Office at (808) 541-2600, ext. 107.

USDA Summer Intern Program (SIP) in the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NCRS)

SIP provides an opportunity for U.S. citizens, currently enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a college or university, to work as assistants to scientific, professional and technical employees. These positions provide students a paid, summer intern experience and information about career opportunities. Must have a valid state driver's license.

For the summer of 2006, the following has been announced: VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: NRCS MT-06-B
POSITION TITLE: Soil Conservation Aid or Technician (10 positions in Montana)
CONTACT PERSON: Sharon Huber at (406) 587-6937 or e-mail sharon.huber@mt.usda.gov for further information and an application packet.
OPENING DATE: February 21, 2006
CLOSING DATE: March 31, 2006

SCA Positions

The Student Conservation Association offers conservation volunteer and intern opportunities to high school and college students interested in serving our national parks & forests and historic & cultural resources.

  • Conservation Internships: 18 years and older; live and work with resource management professionals at natural and cultural sites nationwide; internships available throughout the year in all fields; terms from 3 to 12 months. Expenses paid, plus living allowance, travel grant.
  • Conservation Corps: 18 years and older; trained and supervised by SCA staff, Corps of 10 or more provide specialized conservation services in rustic, residential setting; service terms similar to Conservation Interns.

For more information and applications, see http://www.thesca.org/.

Epcot Science Internship Program

The Epcot Science Internship Program is designed to provide qualified college students with the opportunity to work in the unique growing areas of “The Land” pavilion in Walt Disney World, Florida. Allowance for relocation expenses provided. Minimum requirements are as follows:

  • College student or recent graduate (within one year of bachelors degree) with applicable background and/or major in agriculture, food crops, biology, horticulture, botany, biotechnology, biological engineering, entomology, aquaculture, plant science, or related field.
  • Phone or personal interview with a Walt Disney World Company representative and application (available on the internet) completed 4 to 12 months before desired start date. Representatives travel to the UHH campus each spring and fall. The schedule is posted at the below website.
  • Strong verbal communication skills and the ability to interact positively with Walt Disney World guests and fellow employees.
  • Willingness and ability to adhere to Walt Disney World grooming standards
  • Reliable transportation and willingness to work on a flexible schedule..

Job descriptions and more detailed information are available at the following website www.wdwcollegeprogram.com. Contact Les Frey for any further questions:

Les Frey
Student Coordinator
Walt Disney World, Epcot Science
2013 N. Avenue of the Stars
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0090
Email: WDW.Epcot.Science.Internship@Disney.com
Telephone: (407) 560-4547

UHH Environmental Career Resources

This is an online resource for undergraduate and graduate students interested in the environmental sciences. The website has information on job resources, internship possibilities, funding resources, and resume and personal statement writing: www.environmentalcareerresources.uhh.hawaii.edu .

National Student Exchange

The University of Hawaii at Hilo is a member of the National Student Exchange Program. Each year selected UH Hilo students attend one of the more than 170 colleges and universities in 48 states. This exchange enables students to pay in-state resident tuition fees. To make the most of this opportunity, advanced planning and advising are important. For more information, contact the NSE Coordinator, Office of Student Affairs Counseling Office, (808) 974-7399.

Study Abroad

Studying in another country offers a firsthand experience of other cultures and provides for the acquisition of valuable skills and expertise for an increasingly internationalized and interdependent world. The Study Abroad Advisor can assist in the selection of programs sponsored by UH Hilo as well as from programs sponsored by the University of Hawaii system. In addition, UH Hilo students are eligible to participate in study abroad programs sponsored by participating campuses in the National Student Exchange Consortium. Contact the Study Abroad Advisor, Office of Student Affairs Counseling Office, (808) 974-7399.

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)

The University of Hawaii at Hilo participates in this program of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education and other western states. Through WUE, certain students who are not residents of Hawaii may enroll at UH Hilo in designated programs, paying resident tuition plus 50 percent of that amount (plus other fees that are paid by all students). WUE students do not pay the higher charge for nonresident tuition. Enrollment at UH Hilo through the WUE Program is limited to incoming students only and restrictions may apply. For more information, please contact the Admissions Office, (808) 974-7414 or the WICHE Student Exchange Program, P.O. Drawer P, Boulder, Colorado 80301-9752, (303) 497-0210.