Dr. James Earl Kennamer Scholarship

Purpose of the Scholarship

The purpose of the NWTF Dr. James Earl Kennamer Academic Scholarship Program is to recognize and reward an NWTF member, who is currently a senior in high school, for their outstanding academic achievement, community involvement and leadership roles. The National Scholarship Winner will receive a $10,000 scholarship sponsored by Mossy Oak.

Eligibility Requirements

  1. Students should be graduating seniors with a minimum of a 3.0 on 4.0 scale or equivalent grade point average. (If transcript indicates a scale other than 4.0, student should have at least a 3.75 on a 5.0 scale, 4.5/6.0 scale, 5.25/7.0 scale, 6.0/8.0 scale, 6.75/9.0 scale or a 7.5/10.0 scale). Students must upload copies of transcripts for review. Finalist GPA and transcripts will be verified.
  2. Students must be pursuing a degree at an accredited institution of higher education (i.e. Junior College, Community College, Technical College, College or University).
  3. Students must actively participate in hunting, support the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage. A copy of current hunting license is required.
  4. Students must hold a current NWTF membership. If you are not a current member of NWTF, visit www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF to join. Students can request an ID number from our membership department to include with the application for membership verification purposes.
  5. Students must be involved in school extracurricular activities (i.e. FFA, Ecology Club, Science Club, Beta Club, Student Council, etc.).
  6. Students must demonstrate leadership among his or her peers.
  7. Students must demonstrate community leadership and/or involvement (i.e. 4-H, civic group or club, scouting, volunteer work).
  8. Students must upload an essay (400-600 words) exhibiting dedication to conservation and preserving our hunting heritage. Essay must include:
    • why you will be a good investment if you are awarded this conservation scholarship
    • any experiences and background that demonstrate your dedication to conservation and the preservation of our hunting heritage
    • why hunting is important to you and your family
  9. Students must upload two letters of recommendation (from teachers, counselors, community or clergy - do not include relatives)
  10. Students can only apply to one chapter.
  11. Employees and National board members of the NWTF and their family members are not eligible to participate in the program.

Selection Process

  1. Students must apply on the official online NWTF scholarship portal by the deadline set for their state. Incomplete submissions will not be considered, students must have ALL documents available for upload before beginning the application process. No paper applications will be accepted.
  2. The national scholarship committee will select the National winner by April 1, 2025.
  3. Winners may not be notified until their high school awards banquet.
  4. The national winner will be asked to attend the NWTF National Convention the following year to be recognized.
  5. There are 3 levels of scholarships awarded by NWTF; local, state and national. High school seniors who submit scholarship applications are first considered for Local Chapter scholarships. Winners of Local Chapter scholarships are then considered for the State Chapter scholarship award. Winners of the State Chapter scholarships are then considered for the National Scholarship Award.