Backbone Scholarship Application

The American Wildfire Experience is proud to partner with MYSTERY RANCH to administer the Backbone Series Scholarship!


These scholarships are open to current and former wildland firefighters and their partners. They are intended to provide funding for professional development opportunities (e.g., education and training). International applicants over the age of 18 are welcome to apply.


The application process is two parts:

1. Completion of this application questionnaire

2. Upload of an essay and 1-3 photos of yourself


Through this initiative, our intent is to educate the public on the sacrifice and work that goes into responding to the wildland fire environment. This will be achieved by posting Backbone scholarship essay submissions by MYSTERY RANCH and the American Wildfire Experience (on respective websites and social media). Only the essays of those selected for scholarships will be posted.


This application is open year round. However, applications are reviewed twice per year, with the cut-off for review occurring on May 31st and November 30th. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must submit an application before each cut-off date. If you're not selected, you are welcome to submit a new application for the next round of reviews. Individuals are limited to one scholarship per year.


Submission of this questionnaire does not guarantee selection for the scholarship.


Thank you for your interest!

Personal Information

Eligibility Questions

Status at the time of application:*
I am over the age of 18*
I have not received a Backbone Scholarship this calendar year.

Optional Demographic and Educational Information

Information regarding education level, gender, and age are optional and are striped from the application during the review process. This information is requested for post-scholarship reporting only and in no way affects your chances of selection for scholarship awards.

Current education level
Age
Gender

Academic/training pursuits

Please provide information on how you will use the scholarship award if you were to be selected.

Essay and photos

Essay requirements:

  • Essays should be no longer than 3000 words
  • Essays should include name and date at the top of the document
  • Well-written essays will have a unique voice, point-of-view, or experience to share. We want to hear the personal stories, experiences, thoughts, and opinions of applicants
  • Essays should align with the Backbone Series intent: To educate the public on the sacrifice and work that goes into responding to the wildland fire environment



Photo requirements:

  • Submit 1-3 photos of yourself on the job (or picture of your choice) for publishing, if selected for a scholarship.

Drag and drop files here or

Submission

By hitting submit, you consent to the American Wildfire Experience and MYSTERY RANCH posting your contribution on their websites and social media accounts.

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