ABA Young Birder Camp Scholarships
The American Birding Association (ABA) provides scholarships to help young people who are interested in birds to attend summer camps, workshops, training programs, conventions, and other bird-related activities. Funds for ABA scholarships come primarily from donations from the ABA membership, private donors, sponsors, and fundraising initiatives. Over the years, the ABA has helped young birders embark on life-changing experiences, and many ABA scholarship recipients have gone on to discover careers in birding, research, ornithology, or other related fields of study.
Current Scholarship Opportunities:
ABA General Scholarship Fund
Who is Eligible: Everyone! Young birders can apply for a partial scholarship to attend a bird-related summer camp, event, or workshop.
How to Apply: General Scholarship Fund Application Packet (PDF)
Important Dates: Rolling deadline. Applications will be considered while funding is available. Scholarship awardee announcements will be made within one month of receiving your application.
ABA Camp Scholarships
Who is Eligible: The ABA is providing two special full scholarships to help young birders ages 13-17 attend one of ABA’s Young Birder Camps, Camp Colorado and Camp Delaware Bay. These full scholarships include camp tuition and a $500 travel stipend to assist with travel related expenses to and from camp.
How to Apply: ABA Camp Scholarship Application Packet (PDF)
Important Dates: Your completed application must be emailed or postmarked by January 1, 2023. Scholarship awardee announcements will be made by February 1, 2023.
ABA Young Birder Community Scholarships
Who is Eligible: Open to any Black, Indigenous, or Person of Color ages 13-17 to attend one of ABA’s Young Birder Camps, Camp Colorado and Camp Delaware Bay. These full scholarships include camp tuition, a $500 travel stipend to assist with travel related expenses to and from camp, and a one-year ABA membership.
How to Apply: ABA YB Community Scholarship Application Packet (PDF)
Important Dates: Your completed application must be emailed or postmarked by January 1, 2023. Scholarship awardee announcements will be made by February 1, 2023.
Questions? Please email us at Scholarships@aba.org
“Thank you so much to the donors who made this trip possible! This camp was an amazing experience, both because of the birds and the amazing people. The opportunity to learn from such knowledgeable and passionate birders was a life changing experience that made me a better birder!” – Scholarship Recipient, 2022 Camp Delaware Bay
Sponsoring a Camper
As a courtesy to organizations that support young birders through scholarships, we offer the ability to reserve a space prior to general registration opening with a $500 deposit. Organizations do not have to know who will receive their scholarship at the time of reservation. For more information please visit: https://www.aba.org/sponsoring-a-camper/.