Interested in applying for funding or becoming a host institution and want to learn more?
Introduction
The International Wild Waterfowl Association (IWWA) is pleased to support youth learning opportunities for those interested in developing skills and knowledge in ecology, biology, zoology, and aviculture directly related to waterfowl and wetlands. This program is meant to offer funding to offset the direct costs incurred to attend specified learning opportunities. Eligibility criteria is outlined below.
Applicants are expected to clearly articulate how their knowledge and experience will be shared with others, and recipients are expected to provide a report to the IWWA following their experience, including photos, which can be shared with IWWA members in its publications or via webinar or recording. Provision of the report and acceptance of the funding is your consent to share this contribution on IWWA’s social media and in future IWWA publications.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply to this program for funding, applicants must:
- Be over 18 and under 30 years of age prior to embarking on the learning opportunity.
- Be registered at an educational facility or institution as a current student or student beginning or completed studies within 6 months of completion of the internship opportunity.
- Be prepared to complete the opportunity regardless of receipt of the funding.
- The receiving institution must be acceptable to host you for the specified period by your educational facility, or their designated third-party organization.
Application Process
Host Institutions
Institutions must work with the educational facility to ensure that the opportunity meets the prescribed learning and accommodation requirements (or support the student to find adequate off-site accommodations for the duration of the experience). Internship lengths will be dependent on the education organization and the student learning plan. There may be additional requirements that should be explored collaboratively between the host institution and the education organization prior to application.
The IWWA does not endorse or specify facilities that are eligible for hosting students. The IWWA funding offered is available to offset the cost of travel and student accommodations for selected student recipients. Facilities must work with the student and the school to ensure that they meet all necessary requirements. Once accreditation has been achieved with a school or through independent validation, IWWA can list that organization as one that is a potential host for future internships as long as the validation remains in place.
Student Candidates
Student candidates must work with their education institution and the potential host facility to coordinate their arrangements. On confirmation of acceptance by both the host facility and the education advisor, students can complete an application form and submit it to info@wildwaterfowl.org. The amount of funding will be contingent on funding allocations and the number of applications received each year. Applications must be submitted by June 15 of each year.
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Candidate merit – considering academics and character recommendations from instructional staff and/or supervisors.
- Familiarity, experience, and commitment to waterfowl husbandry – including program related courses and volunteer or work experience.
- Adequate financial resources for travel and to complete the internship – ensuring that funding is available to support the student for the duration of their experience and allocating limited funds responsibly.
- Demonstrated leadership abilities and commitment to service – aviculture requires strong leaders with a service orientation looking to the future. Candidates that demonstrate clear examples of leadership with a service orientation within their communities will be preferred.
Terms and Conditions
The IWWA offers funds purely to offset the costs of travel and accommodation to students. The program is intended to enhance student learning opportunities and experiences in managing waterfowl and related species and build knowledge of sound husbandry and management practices. Student acceptance of funds does not create any form of relationship between IWWA and students, host facilities, education institutions or otherwise.
If the student is awarded funds and fails to complete the internship, the funds may be required to be reimbursed to IWWA, depending on the circumstances and the situation. This will be at the discretion of the IWWA Executive Committee.
Facilities that are deemed acceptable for hosting interns by education institutions or their service providers can request to be listed on the IWWA website as potential hosts for future students seeking internship opportunities. This listing will be valid as long as the facility continues to remain accessible to host students and meet the education institution’s requirements.
Successful applicants are required to provide a written report of their experience, their learnings, and what they found challenging (1,000 words), and provide relevant pictures, or, a webinar presentation that can be recorded and used to promote the program and offer continuing professional development to other waterfowl enthusiasts on conclusion of the internship.