Beginning in 2024-2025 Hernando Audubon has modified its scholarship offering into an internship program for local high school students. The internship program is designed to give the awarded student an opportunity to gain actual experience volunteering at a conservation center managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This experience will enable a student to make better decisions regarding their college major and career path. The Stephen B. Fickett, Jr., Conservation Internship (formerly Environmental Scholarship), established in honor of one of our founding members, has helped many outstanding young students defray some of the cost of college. Recipients have gone on to hold leadership jobs in conservation and related fields. 

Hernando Audubon Society

Stephen B. Fickett, Jr., Conservation Internship Program


The Hernando Audubon Society is pleased to offer the Stephen B. Fickett, Jr., Conservation Internship Program! The internship program is designed to give the awarded student an opportunity to gain actual experience volunteering at a conservation center managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). This real-world experience will help a student to make better decisions regarding a college major and career path. The internship experience will add to the student's credentials and build his/her resume. 

Hernando Audubon will be selecting a high school senior to be awarded the internship at our January 23, 2025, meeting. The internship will be completed from January to May 2025. The selected student will spend approximately 30 hours volunteering at FWC’s Chinsegut Conservation Center under the direction of the volunteer coordinator. At the completion of the internship, Hernando Audubon will award the student a $1,000 scholarship stipend at our April 24, 2025, meeting, and will provide a reference letter.   

The Internship Program is open to qualified high school seniors who are interested in pursuing a career in the conservation/environmental sciences. Students must reside within the zip codes of the Hernando Audubon territory which includes all of Hernando County and portions of southern Sumter County. In general terms, this includes the town Bushnell and surrounding community. Students who have previously participated in Science/Conservation/Environmental clubs or other related activities are encouraged to apply. 

Applications to participate in the internship program should include all items listed below:

  • Listing of achieved GPA for previous two years (A high grade-point average is not the primary criteria that will be used to make selection award.)

  • Identification of the college or university the student plans to attend

  • Intended field of study (major)

  • A resume indicating academic achievements and listing of extracurricular activities

  • A 300-word essay describing: My Personal Goals and Ambitions to Help Protect Florida’s Natural Environment

  • A reference letter from a high school teacher or guidance counselor – a phone call or email to a Hernando Audubon representative can be substituted for reference letter

Applications may be submitted by U. S. mail or email to:

Hernando Audubon Internship Committee

Attention: Joe Murphy 

34413 Orchid Parkway

Ridge Manor, Fl. 33523

Email: naturecoastJoe@aol.com  

Applications must be postmarked or be received by email no later than November 15, 2024.

Questions regarding this internship opportunity should be directed to Joe Murphy at naturecoastJoe@aol.com or by phone at (813) 468-0870.