RICK FINK YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM INFORMATION
ALAMO AREA BEEKEEPERS ASSOCIATION (AABA)
AABA funds the Youth Scholarship Program to develop future generations of beekeepers by participation in the hobby of beekeeping, honey production, and education in apiary science. The first year of this program focuses on foundational beekeeping education and experiential learning with local beekeeping mentors. During the second year, the scholarship student will receive their own beehive to manage and maintain.
The scholarship program is open to youths aged 13-17 that reside in Bexar and surrounding counties with AABA members. The family of the scholarship recipient must maintain a family membership with AABA for the duration of the program. The program consists of a significant time commitment required from both the youth and parent or guardian to include:
Year One:
Participation in an Introduction to Beekeeping course by Texas Agrilife (April)
AABA club meetings (every other month) at San Antonio Botanical Garden
Field trips to various mentor apiaries in the San Antonio area
Other club events (Field Day in April, Teaching Apiary Workshops)
One meeting presentation at the November AABA meeting (10 minutes)
Year Two:
Volunteer at the AABA Rodeo Booth (February)
Receive first beehive in April/May
AABA club meetings (every other month) at San Antonio Botanical Garden
Two meeting presentations (May and September)
Attendance at club teaching apiary workshops
Assist with mentoring new Year One scholarship recipient
The student should be interested in beekeeping with support from their parent or guardian. The scholarship recipient will receive a beginner beekeeping book and basic protective gear (beekeeping suit and gloves) provided by AABA. If the parent or guardian would like to participate with the student at field trips, they will need to purchase their own protective equipment. After completion of year one, the scholarship recipient will receive a hive body with equipment, smoker, hive tool, and nuc (starter colony) of bees the following spring. The scholarship family must have an approved location for the beehive. The youth will care for and maintain the bees with support and input from club mentors. Ideally, the student would be able to attend all of the events listed above, but we understand that families have other obligations as well. Please plan to participate in 80% of the club activities if possible.
If you are interested in completing an application form, please click the link below.
AABA Youth Scholarship Application Form