Virginia and Wendell Kingsolver Scholarship Fund

Fund History

The most recently established fund is the Virginia and Wendell Kingsolver Scholarship Fund. This fund was established in 2013 to honor the Kingsolvers, both of whom served as president of the society and had a particular interest in encouraging a love of nature in young people.

Fund Purpose

The scholarship will fund one or more young birders from Kentucky to attend a summer birding program. For 2026, KOS is offering several different opportunities for young birders to take their birding skills to the next level, meet others with similar interests, and explore careers in birding and ornithology.

Eligible Applicants

Students who live in Kentucky and have not yet graduated from high school. Each program has slightly different age and eligibility requirements. Please make sure you qualify for the program you chose.

Application Due Date

Applications can be submitted year round; however, grants will be subject to availability of funds and openings at the selected program.

What To Submit

A completed application form, along with the supplemental documentation listed in the instructions, should be submitted to the chair (csbesse@bellsouth.net) of the committee. The application form and submission instructions can be found in the application packet.

Reporting Requirements

A report on the camp experience should be submitted in person to a local bird club or at a KOS meeting; or in writing.