Youth Engagement Committee

The Virginia Society of Ornithology is committed to serving all birders and persons interested in ornithology across the Commonwealth, including the next generation. VSO’s outreach to youth under age 18 and to college students is overseen by the Youth Engagement Committee (YEC). This page includes information on the funding opportunities administered by the YEC as well as information for young birders, parents, and educators.   ‍ ‍

Grant Opportunities (2026)‍ ‍

The following grants are open for applications. Applications close on September 15 and decisions will be released by November 15. Funds should be spent by May 31, 2027. Reports are due by the end of your institution/division’s academic year.

More information and the application links are included below: ·      

College Club Funding: Five (5) $100 grants are available on a first-come, first-serve basis for college/university bird and nature-related clubs in Virginia that are active and are registered as official organizations with their institution. These grants are designed to foster student engagement with birds and ornithology through funding for trips, equipment, and educational meetings.
MORE INFORMATION ·      

High School Bird Club Grants: Up to four (4) $500 grants for the establishment or maintenance of high school birding clubs in Virginia. Grant funds may be used in a variety of ways, including (but not limited to) purchasing binoculars for students, covering field trip costs, providing meaningful field experiences, sponsoring club members to attend birding camps, and more. A club may apply for 1–4 grants at a time, depending on the amount of funds needed. Applicants for this grant must be affiliated with an accredited high school in the state of Virginia. Applications from groups of home-schooled students will also be considered as needed.
MORE INFORMATION ·      

High School Research Grants: Up to two (2) $500 grants to be used by a high school student undertaking ornithological research. Both basic and applied research questions from a variety of fields will be considered, from molecular biology to biogeography. Funds may be used for research equipment, transportation, competition entrance fees, conference registration, publishing fees, or other costs that may otherwise be barriers to high school students’ participation in ornithological research. A student researcher may apply for one or both grants at a time, depending on the amount of funds needed. Funds will be mailed by check directly to the high school researcher or their mentor.
MORE INFORMATION ·      

Member Chapter Grants: Up to two (2) $500 grants for VSO member chapters to fund existing or planned youth engagement efforts.
MORE INFORMATION‍ ‍

Information for Young Birders, Parents, and Educators‍ ‍

Below is some information that is useful for young birders, parents, and educators:  

The American Birding Association Young Birder of the Year Mentoring Program is held every year and allows birders age 18 and under to submit field notebook, community conservation, illustration, writing, and photography content. Several prize categories are awarded, and all entries receive feedback from expert judges. More information is here‍ ‍

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has compiled resources for young birders here‍ ‍

The Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas is compiling resources for educators in alignment with VA Department of Education Standards of Learning. Stay tuned!

Young birding programs are offered locally by Piedmont Virginia Bird Club and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy‍ ‍‍ ‍

Questions about YEC should be emailed to committee chair Patrick Lewis at pdlewis514@gmail.com.