The mission of ILMS is to promote and encourage the understanding and comprehensive management of lakes and reservoirs and their watershed ecosystems. ILMS offers several scholarships that help to accomplish that mission.

• Student Scholarship

• IWLA Scholarship

Student Scholarship

The Indiana Lakes Management Society (ILMS) 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 of two applicants for the academic year.

Who is eligible?

1. 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. 

2. Students who are attending an Indiana college or university.

3. 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.

How to apply:

Fill out the application and upload your resume and brief letter of interest containing at a minimum the following:

1. Career objectives, past experience in aquatic-related natural resource management employment or volunteerism, and community service

2. Course work for which scholarship funds are requested

3. Scholastic honors or merit awards obtained (e.g., Dean’s List)

4. A description of how this course work relates to the ILMS purpose and objectives (see below)

Where to apply:    

Application can be found at this link

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 Semester. Students will also be granted an ILMS membership and registration fee, travel and lodging stipend for the ILMS Annual Conference. For more information, visit the ILMS Annual Conference page.   

Indiana Watershed Leadership Academy

The Indiana Lakes Management Society will offer up to two full scholarships to attend the Indiana Watershed Leadership Academy. The academy gives participants the chance to: 

• Engage in basic and advanced level watershed topics covering leadership principles, watershed science, organization and communication, technology and GIS, stakeholder involvement techniques and policy skills. 
  
  

• Meet, learn from, and build a network of peers. 
  
  

• Interact with topic experts. 
  
  

• Gain strategies, skills, and resources for successful watershed management. 
  
  

• Earn a Professional Certificate in Watershed Management. 

ILMS is committed to helping lake associations, watershed groups and watershed professionals attend IWLA because we recognize the value of the network and the education needed by volunteers and professionals alike. 

Don’t take our word on IWLA – highlights from previous scholarship awardees: 

“I really enjoyed my experience at IWLA. I was able to learn about all the components of watershed planning that I didn't realize existed. From learning the different acronyms to learning how to access and use beneficial online platforms related to watersheds, the experience and knowledge that I gained is invaluable. “ 

“I attended IWLA in 2016 with the help of a scholarship from ILMS. The information was well-presented and helpful. Networking with other enrollees was especially valuable. I would recommend IWLA to anyone interested in learning more about watershed education, protection or conservation”. 

Learn more about the Indiana Watershed Leadership Academy here.

Apply by filling out this application. Application deadline is October 13th, 2023, recipients will be announced by October 27th, 2023.