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**2009 Scholarship Announcement**

The National Organization of Professional Hispanic Natural Resources
Conservation Service Employees (NOPHNRCSE) provides scholarships to
deserving Hispanic students that wish to pursue or are pursuing a
Bachelors degree in a natural resources or a natural resources
conservation-related field of study at an accredited four-year
institution.

At least four scholarships of \$1,000 each will be awarded to graduating
high school students accepted to an accredited college or university or
registered students in their first through third years in an accredited
college or university.

Additionally, there will be three specific scholarships that will be
awarded: The Martha Guerra-Arteaga Scholarship will be awarded to one
female student majoring in public affairs, communications or a natural
resources conservation-related field of study; The Coronado-Remides
Scholarship will be awarded to an individual that is from the Southwest
majoring in the Natural Resources related field and; The Ray T. Margo
Scholarship which will be awarded to an individual that is majoring in
Range Management and is an Upperclassman.

Following are the application form for 2009 and guidelines for
completing and submitting the application. The applicant must apply
annually. [Due date for consideration is February 27^th^ 2009]{.mark}.

Lastly, there will be 5 additional TRAVEL ONLY scholarships awarded to
students to attend the annual conference. This is an excellent
opportunity to network and build relationships with NRCS employees in
different states and work areas.

For More Information:

**Web Site:
[http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/intranet/hispanic/](http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/intranet/hispanic/ )**

**Email: <gilbert.guerrero@ok.usda.gov>**

**NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF PROFESSIONAL HISPANIC**

**NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE EMPLOYEES**

## 2009 Scholarship Application

> **The National Organization of Professional Hispanic Natural Resources
> Conservation Service Employees (NOPHNRCSE) provides scholarships to
> deserving Hispanic students that wish to pursue or are pursuing a
> Bachelors degree in a natural resources or a natural resources
> conservation related field of study at an accredited four-year
> institution. Please complete this application (print legibly) and
> submit it with all of the items requested to:**
>
> **Gilbert Guerrero**
>
> **NOPHNRCSE Scholarship and Endowment Fund Committee**
>
> **709 N. Stoney Creek**
>
> **Stillwater, OK, 74075**
>
> **Complete application package must be postmarked by February 27,
> 2009. Incomplete or late applications will not be evaluated.**
>
> **Circle one: Male Female**
>
> **Name:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**
>
> **Permanent Address:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**
>
> **City, State, and Zip:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**
>
> **Mailing Address:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**(If different from above)
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

> **Telephone: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Birth
> Date (Mo. /Day/Yr.): \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**
>
> **Birth Place (State and Country):
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**
>
> **Email:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**
>
> **Name and address of High School or**
>
> **College you are currently attending:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**
>
> **\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Overall GPA (on a 4.0 scale): \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ U.S.
Citizenship: \_\_\_ Yes \_\_\_ No.**

Note: [Your Scholarship Application will not be processed without proof
of U.S. Citizenship]{.underline}.

**How did you receive this application?
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

> **Name:
> \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**
>
> The following items must be submitted along with this signed
> application form. Failure to submit a complete 2009 NOPHNRCSE
> Scholarship Application package will result in you forfeiting any
> opportunity to be selected for a 2009 NOPHNRCSE Scholarship.
>
> The following items constitute a complete 2009 NOPHNRCSE Scholarship
> Application package:

1.  Submit this completed application with your signature;

2.  Submit a personal statement of 350 to 500 words in length
    (double-spaced). Please include information such as personal
    background, name of school(s) you plan to attend or are attending,
    personal and career goals, and extra curricular activities. You may
    also include other information that you feel is important (remember
    not to exceed 500 words);

3.  Submit a copy of an official or certified high school or college
    transcript;

4.  Submit two letters of recommendation from a High School
    teacher(s)/counselor(s) or College professor(s); and

5.  Proof of U.S. citizenship (copy of Birth Certificate or
    Naturalization Certificate).

6.  Graduating high school applicants submit a copy of a letter of
    acceptance from the college you plan to attend.

> \*\* Note: Receipt of a NOPHNRCSE Scholarship does not constitute a
> guarantee of future employment with the USDA - Natural Resources
> Conservation Service or any other federal agency.

Certification: I certify that all of the information provided is
complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. Purposely providing
false information may result in the recall of any scholarship granted or
in the forfeiture of any scholarship awarded.

I am aware that any scholarship awarded by NOPHNRCSE will be disbursed
through my University Financial Aid Office. If I am selected to receive
a NOPHNRCSE Scholarship, I will utilize the NOPHNRCSE award toward
expenses related to my college attendance. Also, I understand that if I
receive an award, there is no guarantee of renewal. I must reapply for a
new scholarship each year.

I understand that proof of college enrollment will be required if
selected and that I must notify my University Financial Aid Office and
NOPHNRCSE of any changes to my enrollment status. I further understand
that changes to my enrollment status may result in the cancellation of
any award provided. I hereby acknowledge that it is my responsibility to
keep my institution's Financial Aid Office and NOPHNRCSE informed of all
address changes.

I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to submit a complete
application package to NOPHNRCSE in compliance with the posted deadline.
Incomplete or late application materials will result in my scholarship
application package not being considered for any award. All application
materials become the property of NOPHNRCSE. I hereby give NOPHNRCSE
permission to share this information for the purpose of recruitment,
public relations, or possible employment.

I hereby certify that I have read the application information and
guidelines, as well as this Certification, and that I understand and
accept all of the conditions specified. Failure to sign this
Certification will result in my ineligibility for this Scholarship
Award.

**Signature:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_
Date: \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**National Organization of Professional Hispanic**

# Natural Resources Conservation Service Employees

**Scholarship Program**

**2009 Information and Guidelines**

The United States Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources
Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) was first organized in 1933, as the
Soil Erosion Service and was later known as the Soil Conservation
Service. In 1994, USDA went through reorganization and the Agency\'s
name became the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The Agency\'s
purpose has always been, and continues to be, the promotion of the
conservation and wise use of our country\'s natural resources. USDA-NRCS
employees possess backgrounds in a variety of disciplines that include -
agronomy, agricultural engineering, animal science, civil engineering,
computer science, crops science, hydrology, range science, soil science,
wildlife science, and several other disciplines.

NRCS accomplishes its conservation goals by drawing upon the various
sciences and conservation disciplines to help private landowners
conserve their soil, natural resources and water resources. NRCS
employees and private landusers assess the land\'s capabilities and
resources along with the existing conservation problems and
opportunities. NRCS employees then work closely with agricultural
producers and landowners to assist them in developing conservation plans
and with the implementation of conservation practices while achieving
their production goals and objectives. Through the implementation of
conservation practices, the overall quality of life within a watershed
and across our country is improved.

The National Organization of Professional Hispanic Natural Resources
Conservation Service Employees (NOPHNRCSE) was established as a
Professional Society of Natural Resources Conservation Service
employees. NOPHNRCSE promotes the belief that Hispanics can and should
fill an existing, invaluable void in the protection of our country\'s
natural resources and the wise use of our agricultural and recreational
private lands. NOPHNRCSE was created to assist the USDA-NRCS with its
delivery of Program Information and Program Benefits to minority and
non-minority communities; to showcase the value that Hispanics bring to
the USDA-NRCS; to demonstrate the role of Hispanics in a diverse,
multi-cultural workforce; and to serve as a strong link between the
USDA-NRCS and the Hispanic community.

NOPHNRCSE was organized to augment the outreach programs of USDA and
NRCS, and to enhance USDA Program Delivery. Internally, NOPHNRCSE has
vowed to assist USDA-NRCS achieve a multicultural workforce and to
assist with the recruitment and professional development of quality
Natural Resources Conservation Service Hispanic employees.

With this Scholarship Program, NOPHNRCSE achieves one of its founding
goals, "to develop and establish a NOPHNRCSE Scholarship & Endowment
Fund." NOPHNRCSE intends to support Hispanics goals of higher education
and to encourage Hispanics to become protectors of our country\'s
natural resources through this Scholarship and Endowment Fund Program.

NOPHNRCSE wishes to provide scholarships to deserving Hispanic students
who wish to pursue, are currently enrolled in, or are admitted to an
accredited four year institution with the intent of earning a Bachelor
of Science degree in a natural resources field or a natural resources
conservation related field of study.

Candidates selected to receive the 2009 NOPHNRCSE Scholarship will be
selected on the basis of academic achievement, personal strengths,
demonstrated leadership abilities, and career goals. NOPHNRCSE will
accept Scholarship Applications [postmarked by February 27^th^
2009.]{.mark}

The NOPHNRCSE Scholarship & Endowment Fund Committee will determine the
2009 NOPHNRCSE recipients utilizing an established selection criterion.
Each applicant will be evaluated on the basis of their complete
Scholarship Application package that must include the items requested
above. The NOPHNRCSE Scholarship and Endowment Fund Committee is
organized and administered by the NOPHNRCSE National Council. Additional
travel scholarships may be awarded to students to attend the annual
NOPHNRCSE conference.

**To learn more about NOPHNRCSE or USDA-NRCS please explore our web
pages at
[http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/intranet/hispanic/](http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/intranet/hispanic/ )
or [http://www.nrcs.udsa.gov](http://www.nrcs.udsa.gov/),
respectively.**