The Resource Conservation Workshop is sponsored by the NC Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts in conjunction with the NC Division of Soil and Water Conservation, NC State University Crop and Soil Science Department, and the Soil and Water Conservation Society Hugh Hammond Bennett Chapter.

Workshop Description

The Resource Conservation Workshop is a weeklong workshop and involves study and hands on participation in a wide range of conservation topics. Students are housed at NC State University campus dormitories under the guidance of live-in counselors.  In order to achieve success, students should come prepared to meet the primary objective of the workshop -- learning about natural resources and their management in today’s global environment. Awards and scholarships can be won and are presented to students under several awards programs.

For an insider's look at activities during the Resource Conservation Workshop, please see a promotional video prepared by the Durham Soil and Water Conservation District.

Participants

The Resource Conservation Workshop is designed to accommodate up to 104 students.  The student slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, as registrations with specific student’s names are received.  The eight Association Areas each nominate and financially sponsor two individuals who act as counselors and guides to a small group of students.

Participant Eligibility

Students who have demonstrated an interest in natural resource conservation and are nominated by their local soil and water conservation districts are eligible. HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO ATTEND. The Districts should give priority to rising juniors and seniors. Students may participate only one time in this workshop.

Awards

• Conservation District Employees Association Award:  Amount of Award:  $1,000.00 college scholarship*; sponsored by the NC Conservation District Employee's Association; selection criteria:
  • Student interested in subject matter, not only respecting and responding to teachers but also participating in activities;
  • Student planning for higher education in field of Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or other related subject;
  • Student must achieve a satisfactory grade (at least 75%) on the final examination administered at the RCW;
  • Preference will be given to a student who is related to a district employee;
  • Student may have financial need.
• S. Grady Lane Award:  Purpose: to provide financial support to a student participating in the RCW when he/she enrolls in an accredited college/university. The scholarship is designed to perpetuate the high standards of personal conduct, dedication, loyalty and integrity exemplified by Mr. S. Grady Lane. Amount of Award:  $100 cash and $500 college scholarship*; selection criteria:
  • Student must be interested in soil and water conservation and have intent to pursue a course of study in discipline pertaining to soil and water conservation;
  • Student must achieve a satisfactory grate (at least 75%) on the final examination administered at the RCW;
  • Student must demonstrate interest, cooperation, a positive attitude, and excellent behavior throughout the RCW;
  • Preference will be given to a student whose family is currently active in a soil and water conservation district;
  • Student must have financial need.
• Five other RCW Awards are presented. Winners are selected using academic scores (including the tie-breaker quesetion):
  • 1st Place: Amount of Award: $100 cash and $500 college scholarship*
  • 2nd Place: Amount of Award: $100 cash and $275 college scholarship*
  • 3rd Place: Amount of Award: $100 cash
  • 4th Place: Amount of Award: $75 cash
  • 5th Place: Amount of Award: $50 cash

*Please note that scholarship funds are received when the student enrolls in college, and must be claimed within 5-years of the award date.

Workshop Dates

The Resource Conservation Workshop is usually held during the last two weeks in June.  The Resource Conservation Workshop Planning Committee will issue the upcoming workshop dates no later than October 1^st of the year.  Student registration opens in January.

Counselors

Counselors are selected by Association Areas. Areas agree to pay Counselor registration fees and travel allowances.  Area Chairpersons will forward counselor names and registration fees to the Division of Soil and Water Conservation not later than May 1^st each year.