Lynn Davis was a leading force behind the creation of FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge Parkway (now FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge) in 1988 and has remained active with FRIENDS since then. In honor of her dedication, the Lynn Davis Scholarship Program has been established to assist students from Blue Ridge communities where our volunteer chapters operate who plan to study natural resources, which includes studies in sciences, engineering, land management, etc., relative cultural and art studies and more after graduating from high school.  Lynn is a lifelong learner and spent her career pouring her energies into serving communities and government agencies with an education focus so we can be good stewards of our natural world.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a high school senior at a high school in the local FRIENDS Chapter’s service area
  • List of schools
• GPA of at least 3.0 out of a 4.0 scale or equivalent
• Plan to attend an accredited two-year or four-year institution of higher learning
• Plan to pursue a degree/career in science, environmental or cultural studies
  • FRIENDS has a broad definition of environmental studies, which includes studies in natural resources, sciences, engineering, land management, relative cultural and art studies and more. The intention is to support a student with a passion to help preserve, promote, and enhance natural beauty, ecological vitality, and cultural distinctiveness for future generations.
• Align with the mission of FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge by demonstrating a commitment to help preserve, promote, and enhance the natural beauty, ecological vitality, and cultural distinctiveness, such as cultural music or history, for future generations
• Complete the entire application process and submit the packet on or before February 28th

Scholarship Student Overview and Eligibility (PDF)

Scholarship Student Application Form (PDF) The online application form can be accessed by clicking this button:

Required materials

1. Provide a personal letter/statement (typed, 500 words maximum)
   • On a separate sheet of paper, please prepare a letter/statement telling the selection committee about:
     • career and educational goals
     • passion for the preservation of natural resources and/or cultural heritage
     • how the applicant hopes to impact the preservation of natural resources and/or cultural heritage in the future
2. Provide one (1) letter of recommendation
   • On a separate sheet of paper, based on the mission of FRIENDS stated on the first page of the application, please share with the selection committee why the student applying for this scholarship is a strong candidate to receive the award.
3. Provide an activity sheet (or equivalent such as a resume)
   • On a separate sheet of paper, please outline:
     • participation in extracurricular activities including dates of participation
     • level of involvement including leadership roles
     • any awards and honors received
4. Provide a recent high school transcript

Applicant must plan to pursue a degree/career in environmental or cultural studies—what does that mean?

FRIENDS has a broad definition of environmental studies, which includes studies in natural resources, sciences, engineering, land management, relative cultural and arts studies (such as Old Time and Bluegrass music), and more. The intention is to support a student with a passion to help preserve, promote, and enhance natural beauty, ecological vitality, and cultural distinctiveness for future generations.

Scholarship Application Deadline and Award Notification

Scholarship application deadline

February 28

Award notification

April 15

3 ways to submit your application:

1. Use the black button above to complete the application form and upload your attachments.
2. Email it to staff@friendsbrp.org
3. Mail your completed scholarship packet to FRIENDS of the Blue Ridge, Attn: Scholarships, PO Box 20986, Roanoke, VA 24018. Must be postmarked no later than February 28.