The Coleopterists Society, an international organization of professionals and hobbyists interested in the study of beetles, has established a program to recognize young people studying beetles.  The Society has pledged to provide up to $300 each year for the Youth Incentive Award Program.  In addition to monetary grants of up to $150, award recipients will receive a one year subscription to the society journal, The Coleopterists Bulletin. 
This is for children of grades 7-12 only.
      The objectives of the Youth Incentive Award are to:     * provide encouragement and assistance to young beetle enthusiasts (grades 7-12).     * promote the study of beetles, the most diverse group of insects, as a rewarding lifelong avocation or career.  * provide opportunities for young people to develop important life skills such as leadership, cooperation, communication, planning and conducting a scientific study, grant writing and managing funds.
* provide some financial support to enrich activities or projects.
     A Youth Incentive Award Committee from the Coleopterists Society will evaluate the applications and will select up to two winners annually; one each in junior (grades 7-9) and senior (grades 10-12) categories.  The selection committee invites proposals for topics such as field collecting trips to conduct beetle species inventories or diversity studies, attending workshops or visiting entomology or natural history museums for special training and projects on beetles, studying aspects of beetle biology, etc.  The proposed activities or projects will be evaluated on their degree of creativity, educational benefit to the applicant, scientific merit, feasibility & budgetary planning.  Each applicant is strongly encouraged to find an adult advisor (teacher, parent, etc.) to provide guidance in proposal development, but the proposal MUST be written by the applicant. 
     Additional details and application forms for The Coleopterists Society Youth Incentive Award Program can be obtained from: Dr. David G. Furth; Entomology, NHB, MRC 165; P.O. Box 37012; Smithsonian Institution; Washington, D. C. 20013-7012 (phone: 202-357-3146, FAX: 202-786-2894, email: furth.david@nmnh.si.edu).      http://www.coleopsoc.org/
     Applications for this year must be submitted by 15 November 2003.