The Terry Newendorp Environmental Scholarship for the Gunpowder River 2026: Criteria and Application Guidelines
The Award
The Terry Newendorp Environmental Scholarship is a gift that was established in 2018 by Terry Newendorp, an avid fisherman and generous conservationist who foresaw that “protection of the Gunpowder River had to come from future generations.”
The award’s purpose is to assist college-bound high school seniors who will be entering a two year or four year course of study, who excel in their studies, and who plan to dedicate themselves to environmental protection. Each year at least one winner will be chosen from among the graduating class. The award will provide $1,000 towards college costs for students with strong connections to the Gunpowder River Watershed.
Eligibility
To be eligible to receive the award, students must:
- Have a clear connection to the Gunpowder River. Qualifying connection examples include:
- A connection to drinking water
- Use of river for recreation: swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, hiking
- An appreciation for the aesthetic and natural beauty of the Gunpowder
- Acknowledgement of environmental importance of the Gunpowder River Watershed
- Be a college bound high school senior who will be entering a 2-4 year course of study
- Plan to major or minor in one of the natural sciences or other appropriate subject
- Demonstrate a strong personal commitment to protecting the Gunpowder Watershed.
The Application Procedure
A complete application will include all of the following:
- The student’s name and complete contact information including phone and e-mail.
- The name of the school and complete faculty contact information.
- A short essay (450 words total) written by the student answering all three of the following questions:
- 1) Why the Gunpowder Watershed matters to you;
- 2. How conservation fits into your future career goals; and
- 3. What you plan to study in college and why.
- A copy of the student’s current high school transcripts.
- A description of the student’s extracurricular activities regarding environmental / conservation issues (e.g. Environmental Club membership, Scouting merit badges & awards, participation in local conservation efforts, membership in environmental organizations, applicable hobbies, etc.) and/or a familial or personal responsibilities statement.
- A letter of recommendation from a student’s guidance counselor or science teacher may be mailed or emailed as a PDF under separate cover.
Where & When to Submit Application
Deadline: All complete applications must be complete and submitted by March 15th, 2026.
The completed application must be submitted by the student either:
Through email: Scholarship applications and Letters of Recommendation should be emailed as a PDF to gunpowderriverkeeper@gmail.com. Subject Line should include the student’s last name and TNES scholarship.
Through mail: application must be postmarked no later than March 15, 2026 and mailed to:
Terry Newendorp Environmental Scholarship
C/O Gunpowder RIVERKEEPER ®
P.O. Box 156
Monkton, MD 21111
Award Recipient’s Opportunity
For a period of two years after the award, a student may take part in an unpaid internship with the Gunpowder Riverkeeper. Depending on the project area, concentration and term, an internship may result in college credit to be determined by the learning institution.
The Decision-Making Process
A panel comprised of Gunpowder Riverkeeper Director, Board and Committee Members will review all applications. The winners of this year’s Terry Newendorp Environmental Scholarship will be chosen no later than April 30, 2026; and the award presented no later than May 30, 2026. If possible, the award will be presented publicly at the school’s annual awards event.
Riverkeeper Acknowledgement Letter
A letter of acknowledgement from an award winner is required to satisfy scholarship requirements and should be postmarked 60 days from receipt of the award letter.
Disbursement
In order for the scholarship to be disbursed, the student must have been accepted by an accredited college or university for the Fall 2026 Semester and provide a copy of the letter of acceptance from the two or four year college or university where the nominee will be attending to Gunpowder Riverkeeper.
Use of Essay, Photo and Acknowledgement Letter Release
Recipient agrees that Gunpowder Riverkeeper may use all or parts of the application essay, any photos associated with the gift and the acknowledgement letter for any future outreach and marketing purpose.
JEDI and BIPOC Statement
Gunpowder Riverkeeper adheres to the principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) and we encourage participation from under-represented groups. We are concerned about the existential threat of climate change. We are committed to protecting and restoring our environment, safeguarding waterways and the communities that rely on them from damaging pollution, ensuring that all voices — especially Black, Indigenous and People Of Color (BIPOC) and other marginalized groups — are heard.