The Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences (AAPS), is a non-profit organization of primarily professional commercial paleontologists that promote science. Each year, the AAPS offers two $1500 scholarships to graduate level students in paleontology attending universities in the US and world wide. The two scholarships are given in the names of the James R. Welch Scholarship (for studies in macro invertebrate fossils), and the Charles Sternberg Scholarship (for studies in macro vertebrate fossils). These scholarships are awarded by a majority vote of the membership attending our annual meeting in Tucson every February.

These scholarships are awarded to students who qualify and meet the approval of the board of directors, and the membership. Because a majority of our members are active collectors, a major requirement of acceptance is that the applicant must be active in field research and collecting. In other words, we want the applicant to get out and do work in the field. These funds should thus be primarily used for the collection and preparation of macro fossils.

If you are interested, you may apply by sending a letter of application from you explaining the focus of your studies, your thesis subject, what you need the money for, and what you plan on doing as a career. We also need a copy of your resume, and a letter of recommendation from one or more of your professors or advisors. All scholarship application materials must be in our offices no later then December 1st to be considered for the award. Any applications that are incomplete, or not in our offices by December 1st, may have to be resubmitted and will not be considered until the following year.

For a list of past recipients click on the following link, Past Scholarship Recipients. You can get more information about our organization at www.aaps.net. I hope to be hearing from you soon.

Potential candidates must submit a letter of request along with an official current transcript and a letter from their primary advisor to:

Neal Larson, Scholarship Chairman
c/o Black Hills Institute of Geological Research
P.O. Box 643
Hill City, SD 57745-0643
USA