HARRY HAMPTON FUND SCHOLARSHIP
In a commitment to promote higher education in the natural resources area in South Carolina, the Board of Directors of the Hampton Fund in 1992 established the scholarship program. This scholarship consists of a $5,000* scholarship awarded annually to a S.C. resident student to attend an institution of higher learning in the state with a major area of study in wildlife, fisheries, forestry, biology, zoology, marine science, environmental science or related fields. Applicants are thoroughly screened, interviewed and a winner selected through a comprehensive process established by the Board of Directors.
- This fund consists of $5,000* annually, for up to four (4) consecutive years, to help a student further their education in the natural resources discipline.
- The applicant must be a full time resident of South Carolina and a senior in a public or private high school in South Carolina.
- The recipient must attend an institution of higher learning in South Carolina.
- The recipient must have a major in the natural resources discipline such as: wildlife biology, fisheries biology, forestry, marine science or environmental science to qualify. (NOTE: General biology, pre-medical biology and veterinary science are NOT eligible for this scholarship.)
Payment will be made to the same person for four (4) consecutive years of college related to a major in the natural resources discipline. - The recipient must maintain a GPR of 2.5 or above for a given academic year to receive funds for the following year. If the GPR falls below the 2.5 average for any academic year, the student will not receive any further funds, and a new recipient will be sought.
- Return both pages of the completed application, essay/autobiography, transcript of high school grades, college board scores, rank in high school class and a recent photograph no later than January 31, 2025 to the following address:
HAMPTON FUND SCHOLARSHIPS Post Office 2641 Columbia, SC 29202 - Applications are available online below or:
via email at jim.goller@hamptonwildlifefund.org or by phone at: 803-600-1570
The Board of Directors of the Harry Hampton Wildlife Fund will make the final approval of the recipient
and notify the winners.
Harry Hampton Fund Scholarship 2024 Award
Congratulations to Marissa Wetzel, North Augusta SC. She will attend USC – Aiken
Thomas Webster Hardwick Jr. Scholarship 2024 Award Winner
Congratulations to Alexandra White of Greenville SC for winning the Thomas Webster Hardwick Jr. Scholarship. Ms. White will attend Clemson.
THOMAS WEBSTER HARDWICK JR. SCHOLARSHIP
This new scholarship was first made available for the 2022-2023 school year. The Hampton Fund is again proud to offer the Thomas Webster Hardwick Jr. Scholarship, a 4-year, $5,000 per year award named in memory of Mr. Hardwick, a long-time member of the Hampton Fund Board of Directors from Fort Mill, S.C. Mr. Hardwick worked tirelessly in support of the Fund. In addition to his duties on the board, he served for many years with Mr. Elliott Close, also a member of the Hampton Fund Board, as co-chair of the Tri-County Hampton Wildlife Banquet held annually in Fort Mill.
- This fund consists of $5,000* annually, for up to four (4) consecutive years, to help a student further their education in the natural resources discipline.
- The applicant must be a full time resident of South Carolina and a senior in a public or private high school in South Carolina.
- The recipient must attend an institution of higher learning in South Carolina.
- The recipient must have a major in the natural resources discipline such as: wildlife biology, fisheries biology, forestry, marine science or environmental science to qualify. (NOTE: General biology, pre-medical biology and veterinary science are NOT eligible for this scholarship.)
- Payment will be made to the same person for four (4) consecutive years of college related to a major in the natural resources discipline.
- The recipient must maintain a GPR of 2.5 or above for a given academic year to receive funds for the following year. If the GPR falls below the 2.5 average for any academic year, the student will not receive any further funds, and a new recipient will be sought.
- Return both pages of the completed application, essay/autobiography, transcript of high school grades, college board scores, rank in high school class and a recent photograph no later than January 31, 2025 to the following address:
HAMPTON FUND SCHOLARSHIPS Post Office 2641 Columbia, SC 29202 - Applications are available online below or:
via email at jim.goller@hamptonwildlifefund.org or by phone at: 803-600-1570
The Board of Directors of the Harry Hampton Wildlife Fund will make the final approval of the recipient
and notify the winners.
JAMES O. THOMASON SCHOLARSHIP
In memory of its former Board Chairman, the Board of Directors of the Hampton Fund in March 2005 established the James O. Thomason Scholarship. James O. Thomason, known by his friends simply as “O,” was a staunch supporter of wildlife and natural resources in the Palmetto state, particularly in relation to education. James O. was appointed to the South Carolina Wildlife and Marine Resources Board of Directors, later to become the Department of Natural Resources, in 1984. During his tenure he also served as Chairman of the Conservation Education and Communications Advisory Committee, which furthered his interest in and support of natural resources education. James O. served as Chairman of the Hampton Fund from 1998 until his passing in February 2004.
- This scholarship consists of $2,000* annually, for up to four (4) consecutive years, to help a student further their education in print or photo journalism, advertising, public relations or mass communications.
- The applicant must be a full time resident of South Carolina and a senior in a public or private high school in South Carolina.
- The recipient must attend an institution of higher learning in South Carolina.
- The recipient must declare a major in electronic, print or photo journalism, advertising, public relations or mass communications to qualify.
- Payment will be made to the same person for four (4) consecutive years of college related to a major in the above disciplines.
- The recipient must maintain a GPR of 2.5 or above for a given academic year to receive funds for the following year. If the GPR falls below the 2.5 average for any academic year, the student will not receive any further funds, and a new recipient will be sought.
- Return both pages of the completed application, essay/autobiography, transcript of high school grades, college board scores, rank in high school class and a recent photograph no later than January 31, 2025 to the following address:
HAMPTON FUND SCHOLARSHIPS Post Office 2641 Columbia, SC 29202 - Applications are available online below or:
via email at jim.goller@hamptonwildlifefund.org or by phone at: 803-600-1570
The Board of Directors of the Harry Hampton Wildlife Fund will make the final approval of the recipient and notify the winners.
*2024-2025 TOPICAL ESSAY:
The applicant will write a 1,200 word (approximate) essay on the following topic: “ In the United States, more than 50% of the human population lives within 50 miles of a coastline. 26% of South Carolina’s total population is living in its eight coastal counties, with growth in coastal counties outpacing the rest of the state. What are the impacts of this population increase on our coastal natural resources and what can be done to mitigate those impacts?”
**PERSONAL ESSAY/AUTOBIOGRAPHY:
On separate paper, the applicant will write a brief autobiography to include a description of his/her career ambitions in the field of electronic, print or photo journalism, advertising, public relations or mass communications and why he/she desires a college education, plus explain his/her interests in wildlife, natural resources, the environment, coastal resources or related topics and why he/she will be good investment if awarded this scholarship. (No more than three pages typed).
James O. Thomason Scholarship 2024 Award Winner
Congratulations to Silas Carr of Ladson, SC for winning the James O. Thomason Scholarship. Mr. Carr will attend Clemson.
David M. Cline Scholarship 2024 Award Winner
Congratulations to Kayle Brown of Prosperity for winning the David M. Cline Scholarship. Ms. Brown will attend Charleston Southern University.
DAVID M. CLINE SCHOLARSHIP
In memory of its former Board member, the Board of Directors of the Hampton Fund established the David M. Cline Scholarship in March 2011 . Mr. Cline, serving the Hampton Fund for over 20 years, was a staunch supporter of wildlife and natural resources in the Palmetto state, particularly in relation to law enforcement and marine resources. Mr. Cline was an avid hunter and offshore angler, serving on the board of the S.C. Governor's Cup Billfishing Series and also participating as a captain and angler aboard his boat, "Miss Tidy." During his tenure he also served on the SCDNR Law Enforcement Advisory Committee. Mr. Cline passed away in 2011.
- This scholarship consists of $2,000* annually, for up to four (4) consecutive years, to help a student further their education in print
or photo journalism, advertising, public relations or mass communications. - The applicant must be a full time resident of South Carolina and a senior in a public or private high school in South Carolina.
- The recipient must attend an institution of higher learning in South Carolina.
- The recipient must enroll in a major in law enforcement / criminal justice / forensics / forensic science to qualify.
- Payment will be made to the successful applicant in the natural resources discipline on a one-time basis only.
- Return both pages of the completed application, essay/autobiography, transcript of high school grades, college board scores, rank in
high school class and a recent photograph no later than January 31, 2025 to the following address:
HAMPTON FUND SCHOLARSHIPS Post Office 2641 Columbia, SC 29202 - Applications are available online below or:
via email at jim.goller@hamptonwildlifefund.org or by phone at: 803-600-1570
The Board of Directors of the Harry Hampton Wildlife Fund will make the final approval of the recipient
and notify the winners.
WALLACE F. PATE SCHOLARSHIP
In its continued commitment to promote higher education in the natural aresources area in South Carolina, the Board of Directors of the Hampton Fund, in cooperation with the South Carolina Governor's Cup Billfishing Series, established the Wallace F. Pate Scholarship in 2004. Wallace F. Pate pioneered offshore big game fishing in South Carolina. This scholarship consists of a $2,500 scholarship awarded annually to to a S.C. resident student to attend an institution of higher learning in the state with a major area of study in wildlife, fisheries, forestry, biology, zoology, marine science, environmental science or related fields. Applicants are thoroughly screened, interviewed and a winner selected through a comprehensive process established by the Board of Directors.
*NOTE Pate Scholarship may or may not be offered due to funding availability.
- This fund consists of a one-time award of $2,500 to help a student further their education in the natural resources discipline.
- The applicant must be a full time resident of South Carolina and a senior in a public or private high school in South Carolina.
- The recipient must attend an institution of higher learning in South Carolina.
- The recipient must have a major in the natural resources discipline such as: wildlife biology, fisheries biology, forestry, marine science or environmental science to qualify. (NOTE: General biology, pre-medical biology and veterinary science are NOT eligible for this scholarship.)
- Payment will be made to the successful applicant in the natural resources discipline on a one-time, one-year basis only.
- Return both pages of the completed application, essay/autobiography, transcript of high school grades, college board scores, rank in high school class and a recent photograph no later than January 31, 2025 to the following address:
HAMPTON FUND SCHOLARSHIPS Post Office 2641 Columbia, SC 29202 - Applications are available online below or:
via email at jim.goller@hamptonwildlifefund.org or by phone at: 803-600-1570
The Board of Directors of the Harry Hampton Wildlife Fund will make the final approval of the recipient
and notify the winners.
Wallace F. Pate Scholarship 2024 Award Winner
Congratulations to Genoa Hainsworth of Chapin for winning the Wallace F. Pate Scholarship. Ms. Hainsworth will attend the USC Honors program.
Robert M. Gifford scholarship 2024 Award Winner
Congratulations to Clara Brown of Greenwood for winning the Robert M. Gifford Scholarship. Ms. Brown will attend Duke University.
R.M. GIFFORD SCHOLARSHIP
The R.M. Gifford scholarship is only available for the child of a full-time S.C. Department of Natural Resources employee or retiree. The 4-year, $2,500 per year* award is named in memory of long-time SCDNR Chief of Law Enforcement Robert M. (Bobby) Gifford.
TAYLOR FAMILY SCHOLARSHIPS
Two $1,000 scholarships are offered annually by retired SCDNR Director and current HWF board member Alvin Taylor and his wife Marian for children of SCDNR employees. Winners were Jaydn Audrey Kent of Irmo and Sara McCaskill of Lugoff.
Non LE Applications
SOUTH CAROLINA WILDLIFE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIPS
SCWLEOA scholarships are only available for the childen of full-time S.C. Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Conservation Officers who are members of the Association. These scholarships are funded by the SCWLEOA and administered by the Hampton Wildlife Fund. Winners were Jason Dozier, Sara McCaskill and Presley Lane Collins. Each will receive a $1,000 award.