NOTE:  The scholarship application period for 2026 has closed.  We will post information on how to appy for the 2027 scholarship, including the deadline, at a later date.  

The family of Raymond A. Burke established this scholarship in his memory for the benefit of young men and women interested in pursuing careers in natural resources related fields. Mr. Burke was a land improvement contractor and farmer with very strong interests in the management of conservation and educating young people. He served for 40 years on the elected boards of the Polk County Soil & Water Conservation District and the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District. From time to time, donations memorializing other individuals have been added to the Raymond A. Burke Scholarship Fund. The Upper Big Blue NRD administers up to three scholarships awarded annually in the amount of $2,000 each. 

Not sure if you live in the Upper Big Blue NRD? Use the Find Your NRD tool

Qualifications include:

1.) The legal home permanent address of the applicant is in the Upper Big Blue NRD.
2.) Attend or plan to attend in the upcoming semester, a two-year or four-year Nebraska college or university
3.) Are enrolled or will be enrolled in the upcoming semester in a course of study leading to an associate or undergraduate degree in a natural resources-related field
4.) Intend to enter the workforce upon graduation in a "hands-on" position, such as soil/water conservation, resources manager, or engineering technician.
5.) Are not a family member of staff/director of the Upper Big Blue NRD.

The Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District will sponsor one individual per year to attend the Nebraska Water Leaders Academy. The purpose of this sponsorship is to provide training to those who may eventually serve on the NRD board of directors or in another water leadership capacity.

• The sponsorship will be provided to any district resident (non NRD employee) with interest in attending. It is not restricted to those working in natural resources or land management.
• If there is funding from another source (such as an employer) for a participant, it is recommended that those options be utilized first.  
• Each applicant must have a board member recommendation in order to be considered for the sponsorship.
• The application for the Nebraska Water Leaders Academy will also be the application used for the NRD sponsorship (includes a one-page description of why you want to attend the program, a resume, and a letter of recommendation).
• Applications to the Nebraska Water Leaders Academy are due by December 1 (but may be submitted at any time earlier). Early application is preferred as the cohort may fill up. Applications for the NRD sponsorship should be submitted by September 1 so that the candidates may be discussed and voted upon at the September or October executive committee and board meeting. When an applicant has been approved for the sponsorship from the NRD, it is their responsibility to submit their application to the Nebraska Water Leaders Academy. Approval from the NRD for the sponsorship does not guarantee acceptance into the Water Leaders Academy.
• For consideration for the NRD sponsorship, please submit your application materials to info@upperbigblue.org.

Cost and Responsibilities

• The total tuition for attendance of the Water Leaders Academy includes lodging and meals. The first $500 associated with tuition is the responsibility of the applicant. This is considered an application fee.
• NRD scholarship will cover full tuition cost minus $500. Additional costs (travel cost, incidentals, etc.) are not covered by scholarship and are the responsibility of the applicant.
• The program includes six 1.5-day sessions in a variety of locations across the state. To receive the NRD sponsorship funds, the selected applicant must attend at least five of the sessions.
• The NRD sponsorship funds will be available as a reimbursement at the completion of the program.
• The selected applicant is expected to give a brief presentation to the board upon completing the Water Leaders Academy.
• If the Nebraska Water Leaders Academy class is full, the applicant may be asked to delay entry until the following year. The NRD sponsorship would remain available to the candidate for a later entry.

Adventure Camp about the Environment (ACE Camp) is a 4-day, 3-night summer camp that provides students with hands-on, educational experiences about Nebraska's natural resources.  ACE Camp takes place near Burwell at Kamp Kaleo and includes a wide variety of sessions focusing on forestry, water, range, soils, wildlife, and more. Campfire gatherings, river excursions, and other recreational activities are also part of the summer camp experience. 

ACE Camp is open to students preparing to enter 7th or 8th grade during the 2026-2027 academic year. The registration fee for 2026 ACE Camp is $235, which includes meals, shirt, and lodging.  Registration deadline is June 1, 2026. Scholarships from the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District are available for students residing within the District.  Contact us at (402) 362-6601 if you are interested in applying for a scholarship for ACE Camp.