The Indiana Lakes Management Society is pleased to announce that financial assistance is available through the ILMS Scholarship Donation and Silent Auction Fund to help meet the college tuition needs for applicants for the 2026-2027 academic year. At least three (3) $500 scholarships will be available to qualified students.
Who is eligible?
- Students who are currently enrolled (or planning to enroll) in Environmental Science, Aquatic Ecosystem or Watershed Management, or related undergraduate or graduate college-level classes.
- Students who are permanent residents of Indiana or have pursued a minimum of one year’s course work at an Indiana college or university and are currently enrolled at an Indiana college or university.
- Scholarship funds will be awarded preferentially to those applicants who are planning to take classes related to aquatic ecosystems, but other classes may also qualify, especially if they are core classes of an Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s Degree program in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Fisheries, or Aquatic Resource Management.
- Scholarship funds will be awarded preferentially to those applicants who are planning to stay in Indiana after graduation and continue working in a field related to lake and watershed management.
- Scholarship winners may not receive more than one ILMS scholarship per year.
How to apply:
Fill out the application and upload your resume, unofficial transcript (optional), and brief letter of interest containing at a minimum the following:
- Personal contact information including address and daytime telephone number.
- College name, major (intended or declared), and semester status.
- Current G.P.A.
- Scholastic honors or merit awards obtained (e.g., Dean’s List).
- Course work for which scholarship funds are requested.
- Career objectives, experience in aquatic-related natural resource management employment or volunteerism, and community service.
- A description of how this course work relates to the ILMS purpose and objectives.
Where to apply: Application can be found at this link.
Timeline: Application and letters must be received no later than October 9, 2026.
Applications will be evaluated based on the letter of interest and GPA. Scholarship Funds will be distributed in time to meet tuition needs for the Spring 2027 Semester. Students will also be granted an ILMS membership and registration fee, travel, and lodging stipend for the 2027 ILMS Annual Conference (March 24-25, 2027 at Potawatomi Inn at Pokagon State Park in Angola, IN). For more information, visit the ILMS website at www.indianalakes.org
ILMS Purpose: “...promote and encourage the understanding and comprehensive management of lakes and reservoirs and their watershed ecosystems.”
ILMS Objectives:
▪ Promote and provide a forum for the sharing of information and experience on scientific, legal, administrative, and financial aspects of lake and watershed management.
▪ Foster and assist in the development of local lake restoration and protection programs in accordance with appropriate management strategies and techniques.
▪ Encourage the cooperation and interaction of organizations, agencies, units of government, and individuals concerned with lake and watershed management and protection.
▪ Encourage, support, and assist in the development of local, state, and national programs, policies, and legislation promoting lake and watershed management.
▪ Encourage development and enforcement of laws and legislation designed to protect vital water resources and their environments.
