Thanks to $25,000 from Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, The Wildlife Society provided $75,000 in travel grants and waived registration fees for over 25 early-career professionals and wildlife management students from 22 universities to attend its 31st Annual TWS Conference.
Of the 1,771 conference attendees, 43% were students from all 50 U.S. states, 19 countries and 44 universities.
Student attendance at the TWS Annual Conference provides them with learning opportunities, professional pathways, a chance to present their research and the opportunity to network with other wildlife professionals. Some students may lack the financial resources to attend without travel grants, so they miss out on valuable opportunities to further their careers.
“This was my first time presenting at a conference, which was a really cool experience,” said Jennifer Wall, a PhD candidate at the University of Montana, in a post-conference survey. “I got to meet people who listened to my talk and wanted to chat about it and my work,” she said. “I was able to meet with colleagues from previous jobs and to network, which will be really helpful for my career.”
Others shared Wall’s sentiment that the funds greatly aided their ability to attend the conference and network with professionals.
“The program allowed me to attend the conference, present my research and network with industry professionals,” said Lindsey Perry, a PhD candidate at Oregon State University. “I received valuable feedback on both my presentation and upcoming research, which has enhanced my educational and professional development in wildlife conservation.”
The TWS Annual Conference makes space for interagency discussions about the problems and solutions in wildlife conservation between important stakeholders from federal and state agencies, nonprofits and universities. These places and spaces are crucial for young people to be in, as they will be the ones to inherit conservation issues of the future.
“I was able to make great professional connections at the conference and was able to present some of my research to a full room of professionals,” said North Carolina State University undergraduate Hannah Desrochers.
Bass Pro Shops has a long and dedicated history of supporting conservation projects throughout North America, with initiatives including connecting new audiences to the outdoors, conserving wildlife and habitat and advocating for sportsmen’s rights. Through the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, customers support these efforts by rounding up their purchases at the register and online. This makes a big difference for the future of the outdoors and all who love it for generations to come.
This student travel program was generously sponsored by TWS partner Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s, with support from American Public University, East Foundation, e-Obs, Ertec, Missouri State University, Tennessee Valley Authority, TWS California Central Coast Chapter, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Weyerhauser.
If this work supporting students resonates with you, please consider becoming a donor or partner of TWS to help sustain these initiatives.