TMCF Guardians of the Wild Scholarship 2026-2027

TMCF Guardians of the Wild Scholarship 2026-2027 Offers Up to $50,000 for HBCU Graduate Students

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Graduate students studying conservation, environmental science, public health, environmental law, and related fields can now apply for the 2026-2027 TMCF Guardians of the Wild Scholarship. The scholarship offers awards of up to $50,000 to support students pursuing careers that focus on environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development.

The scholarship is funded through a partnership between the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and Re:wild, a global conservation organization that works with hundreds of partners to protect ecosystems, wildlife, and biodiversity around the world. Fourteen students will be selected for the program during the 2026-2027 academic year.

TMCF Guardians of the Wild Scholarship 2026-2027 Overview

Scholarship NameTMCF Guardians of the Wild Scholarship
Number of Awards14
Award AmountUp to $50,000
Study LevelGraduate (Master’s and PhD)
Eligible InstitutionsHistorically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
GPA Requirement3.0 or higher
Financial Need RequiredYes
Citizenship RequirementU.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
Application DeadlineJuly 17, 2026

Students interested in environmental conservation, wildlife protection, environmental justice, public health, sustainability, and related fields should review the eligibility requirements carefully and submit their applications before the deadline.

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About Re:wild

Re:wild is an international conservation organization focused on protecting and restoring nature. The organization was founded by leading conservation scientists together with actor and environmental advocate Leonardo DiCaprio.

According to Re:wild, the organization works with more than 500 partners across nearly 90 countries. Its conservation efforts support over 31,000 species and protect more than 565 million acres of important biodiversity areas worldwide.

Through its Conservation Pathways program, Re:wild invests in the next generation of conservation leaders by supporting education, research, and professional development opportunities.

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Scholarship Award Amount

Selected scholars will receive up to $50,000 in funding.

The scholarship funds will be distributed in two installments:

  • Fall 2026 semester
  • Spring 2027 semester

The award can be used for:

  • Tuition costs
  • University fees
  • Academic research expenses
  • Degree-related travel expenses

The funding is intended to help students complete graduate studies and advance careers in environmental and conservation-related fields.

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Who Can Apply?

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be enrolled full-time or part-time as a graduate student during the 2026-2027 academic year
  • Attend an eligible Historically Black College or University (HBCU)
  • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident

Eligible Majors and Fields of Study

The scholarship supports students studying environmental and conservation disciplines, including:

  • Agriculture (non-animal)
  • Conservation (terrestrial, wildlife, marine, freshwater)
  • Civil and environmental engineering
  • Environmental management
  • Environmental law and justice
  • Plant, soil, and atmospheric sciences
  • Public health (planetary health, one health, eco health)
  • Urban planning and environmental policy
  • Related environmental and conservation fields

Students pursuing careers in climate resilience, biodiversity protection, ecosystem restoration, environmental policy, and sustainability are encouraged to apply.

Video Essay Requirement

Applicants must submit a two-minute video as part of their scholarship application. You can check the application process here.

The video should answer the following question:

“What core principles or values do you believe are most essential to creating positive change in your community, for nature and future career field? How do you plan to embody them in both your educational pursuits and interactions with others?”

The video submission is a required component of the application review process.

Application Deadline

The scholarship application opened on June 1, 2026.

The deadline to apply is July 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.

Students are encouraged to prepare their video responses and supporting materials before the deadline.

Why This Scholarship Matters

Environmental and conservation careers often require advanced education, field research, and specialized training. The TMCF Guardians of the Wild Scholarship helps reduce financial barriers for graduate students working toward careers in conservation science, environmental policy, environmental justice, public health, and sustainable resource management.

The program also aligns with growing workforce needs in biodiversity conservation, climate adaptation, ecosystem restoration, environmental governance, and community-based conservation initiatives.


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