***CLOSED*** YOUTH ACADEMIC SUPPORT GRANT
OVERVIEW
The Protected Areas Conservation Trust (PACT) is a statutory organization established in 1996 to contribute to the planning, financing, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of Belize’s National Protected Areas System. PACT recognizes the need for a wide array of capacities and skillsets to fulfil the intended purposes of protected areas and so it aims to bridge access to knowledge by enabling the youth population access to employment.
PACT’s Youth Academic Grant Support Program is currently seeking applicants from ages 15 – 29 for academic support grant awards of $5000 (for associate degree) and $10,000 (for bachelor’s degree).
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must:
§ Be a Belizean citizen, either by birth or naturalization (reside in Belize)
§ Be 15 – 29 years of age
§ Be physically able to undertake the course of studies
§ Be accepted as a full-time student in the program of study at a Belizean college/university
§ Study a field related to protected areas management, natural resources management, environmental science or such other related disciplines
§ Demonstrate financial need
§ Have a cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
§ Desire to work in the country after study
§ Not be a working professional
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
§ A completed application form (using this official PACT form)
§ Copy of ID (SSB or Passport)
§ Official copy of transcript from last institution of study
§ Acceptance letter from tertiary institution
§ Official copy of the certificate for the highest degree obtained
§ Supporting documents indicating annual household income (see Annex A)
§ Course sequence showing cost break down
§ Two recommendations, with at least one from a high school/college/university official (e.g. advisor, professor, or teacher).
§ A resume
§ An essay of at least 250 words on one of the following topics:
Describe a personal experience that influenced your decision to focus your studies on conservation. Additionally, share your vision of how you plan to contribute to Belize’s conservation sector.
OR
Explain how your chosen program of study directly contributes to conservation efforts in Belize. Share your vision of how you plan to use this program to support and enhance conservation efforts in Belize.
§ Your essay must also justify financial need and academic potential.
APPLICATION PROCESS
§ Paper-based application forms will not be accepted. Please electronically complete the application form OR print, fill in using blue ink and then scan.
§ Email completed application form and scanned documents to monitoringofficer@pactbelize.org on or before August 9th, 2024.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Applicants will be evaluated by a committee. Applications are judged on previous academic accomplishments, program of study, and financial need. Incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
