Scholarship Applications
Available Scholarships
Scholarships are posted only during open application periods.
Scholarship Name
Description
Status
Mercer SWCD & Mercer Landmark Scholarship
Open to High School Seniors and college Freshmen/Sophomores who attend or have graduated from a Mercer County, Ohio school. Applicants must pursue a degree in Agriculture, Natural Resources, or a related field.
Currently Closed – Applications will be added during open period.
Mercer SWCD & Vantilburg Farm Scholarship
Open to High School Seniors and college Freshmen/Sophomores who attend or have graduated from a Mercer County, Ohio school. Applicants must pursue a degree in Agriculture, Natural Resources, or a related field.
Currently Closed – Applications will be added during open period.
Educational Programs
The Mercer SWCD offers a variety of Pre-K through Adult educational opportunities aimed at fostering lifelong understanding of conservation and natural resources.
Youth Programs
The District’s Education Specialist provides hands-on conservation activities for classrooms, 4-H clubs, Scout groups, and other youth organizations.
Programs meet proficiency and content standards, and can be customized to fit topics including science, math, language arts, history, nutrition, and more.
- Program length: 30–45 minutes
- Cost: FREE for all groups within Mercer County
- Ages: Adaptable for any age or skill level
- To schedule: arielh@mercercountyoh.gov
Available Youth Programs
The Incredible Journey
Students become a water molecule and travel through the water cycle, creating a bracelet to track their journey.
Cookies from Soil
Students trace ingredients in a chocolate chip cookie back to soil, learning how soil supports our food supply.
Enviroscape
Using a watershed model, students apply simulated pollutants and observe how they enter the water supply. Covers point and non-point source pollution and prevention.
Additional Student Opportunities
Envirothon
High school teams compete outdoors in soils, wildlife, aquatics, forestry, and current environmental issues. Registration in February; competition in May.
Soil Judging
A fall contest where students classify soil types and recommend proper urban/rural uses.
T.R.E.E. Program
Third graders learn about trees and receive a tree seedling to take home (offered in April for Earth Day).
Soil & Water Stewardship Week
Lessons and materials provided to celebrate this nationwide observance beginning the last Sunday in April.
College Scholarship
Two $2,000 scholarships awarded in partnership with Mercer Landmark and Vantilburg Farm for students majoring in Agriculture, Natural Resources, or related fields.
Resources
Books, posters, magazines, and videos related to agriculture and natural resources are available to borrow.
Adult Programs
The Mercer SWCD continuously works to meet the needs of community partners and cooperators. Adult programming topics evolve as local needs change. For program requests or scheduling, email Ariel Hein, our Education Specialist.
Available Adult Programs
Drive-It-Yourself Farm Tour
A self-guided tour highlighting agriculture and water quality efforts across Mercer County. Offered periodically.
Ag Education Series
Mercer SWCD partners with agricultural agencies to provide educational sessions on current agricultural topics and policies. May also include tours of conservation projects and local agricultural businesses.