Scholarships

CPNRD-Ron Bishop Memorial College Scholarship Program

2027 Scholarships Awarded

Congratulations to Madelyn Graham of Grand Island, Tucker Thomas of Kearney and Parker Walahoski of Overton, who were each selected to receive a $1,000 scholarship for the 2026–2027 academic year. Congratulations to these students as they continue their education and prepare for their future careers!

• Graham is a fifth-year student at the University of Nebraska-Omaha pursuing a Master of Arts in Communication, with a research focus in environmental communication.
• Thomas is a junior at the University of Nebraska-Kearney pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness with a minor in accounting.
• Walahoski is a sophomore at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife with a minor in grassland systems.

College students pursuing careers in natural resources are encouraged to apply for the CPNRD–Ron Bishop Memorial College Scholarship for the 2027–2028 academic year. The Central Platte Natural Resources District will award up to five $1,000 scholarships to eligible students enrolled in accredited natural resources programs. Applicants must be college sophomores, juniors, seniors or graduate students majoring in a qualifying natural resources-related field. Students must reside within CPNRD’s boundaries (map) or have a parent who resides within the District. Previous applicants and recipients are welcome to reapply.

2027/2028 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION  -

Applications must be postmarked by June 30, 2027.
Questions? Contact Marcia Lee at (308) 395-7551 or lee@cpnrd.org.

Eligible Majors Include:

• Agriculture: Agronomist, Engineer, Business Representative, Applied Science/Diversified Science
• Biology
• Civil, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering
• Conservation or Natural Resources Management
• Environmental/Natural Resources Education
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Geology or Geological Engineering
• Grazing Livestock Systems
• Hydrology or Hydrogeology
• Soil and Water Conservation
• Soil Engineering or Soil Conservation
• Rangeland Management
• Vocational/Agriculture Education
• Water Resources Specialization
• Other careers related to natural resources

The CPNRD–Ron Bishop Memorial College Scholarship has supported students pursuing natural resource–related degrees in honor of Ron Bishop, CPNRD’s general manager from 1972–2013 since 2007.

Jami Harper Scholarship

Congratulations to Riley Bishop of Doniphan for receiving the 2026 Jami Harper Scholarship!

The Nebraska Children’s Groundwater Festival and Jami Harper offer an annual $250 scholarship for students entering a water resources field. As a high school student, Jami Harper presented at the Nebraska Children’s Groundwater Festival. She created a class called H20Wood Squares based on the popular game show Hollywood Squares ~ her version taught students about water issues.

Due to her success in creating this class and trying to educate students about the importance of our groundwater, she placed 3rd in the Volvo for Life award, receiving $25,000 to give to any educational event she preferred. She selected to give the Nebraska Children’s Groundwater Festival $10,000 for a scholarship and grant program.

The scholarship program is set up to allow any Nebraska high school student who is pursuing a career in water to apply for a one-time $250.00 scholarship. The funds are held at the Grand Island Area Community Foundation. Ms. Harper’s goal is for high school students to be aware that anyone can make a difference in the world.

Scholarship Application: https://gicf.eformsolutions.com/gicf/applications