WNP Opens 2025–2026 Awards, Grants and Scholarships for National Parks Champions

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NPS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

TUCSON, Ariz. [Oct. 1, 2025]—Western National Parks (WNP) is now accepting nominations and applications for its 2025–2026 awards, grants, and scholarships. Full details and submission materials are available on the WNP website. 

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Courtesy of Bill Boehm / NPS

“Each year, WNP honors individuals who champion national parks and public lands,” said WNP President and CEO Marie Buck. “These awards and grants recognize past contributions and support the next generation of park advocates, researchers and educators, as we work toward fulfilling our mission and connecting more people to the parks and lands they love.”

Submission Deadline: December 31, 2025. 

Awards for national park champions

WNP is accepting nominations for the following awards: 

EMIL W. HAURY LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Honors individuals whose research has made a lasting contribution to national parks. Named after Emil W. Haury, a founding member of the Southwest Monument Association, precursor to WNP.

EDWARD B. DANSON AWARD: Recognizes outstanding support for WNP and national parks, reflecting dedication to preserving and promoting the Southwest’s heritage.

STEWART L. UDALL AWARD: Celebrates individuals who enhance park interpretation and public engagement, continuing Udall’s legacy of environmental advocacy.

Submit nominations and review guidelines here. 

Group of people in black shirts outdoors examining grass.
Courtesy of Stephanie Mendoza / Brownsville Raul Yzaguirre STEM Scholars Academy (BRYSS)

Research and educator grants

WNP offers funding opportunities for teachers and researchers with multiple awards and amounts available: 

JAMES E. COOK NATURE’S CLASSROOM GRANT: Supports K-12 educators in connecting underrepresented youth to WNP’s 72 partner parks through virtual or in-person experiences, field trips, or ranger visits. Learn more and apply.

WNP RESEARCH GRANT: Funds scientific, historical,  and social science research in national parks, to advance their management, preservation, and interpretation. One-year and multiyear projects up to three years. Review the RFP and apply here: WNP research grant.

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Courtesy of NPS

Ernest Quintana and Marty Sterkel Education Scholarship

These scholarships support young adults from underrepresented backgrounds pursuing careers with the National Park Service, government agencies, or nonprofit heritage conservation organizations. Funds may be used for tuition, internships, or other study opportunities relevant to park management and conservation. Learn more and apply. 

About WNP

WNP helps make the national park experience possible for everyone. As a nonprofit education partner of the National Park Service, WNP supports parks across the West, developing products, services, and programs that enhance visitor experience, understanding, and appreciation of national parks. Since 1938, WNP has worked to connect new generations to parks in meaningful ways, all with one simple goal: create advocates who want to preserve and protect these special places for everyone, for all time. Learn more about the organization and career opportunities at wnp.org.