Hernando Audubon Society

Stephen B. Fickett, Jr., Conservation Internship Program

Beginning in 2025, Hernando Audubon has modified its scholarship offering into an internship program for local high school students. The Stephen B. Fickett, Jr., Conservation Internship (formerly Environmental Scholarship), established in honor of one of our founding members, has helped many outstanding young students defray some of the cost of college. Recipients have gone on to hold leadership jobs in conservation and related fields. 

The Hernando Audubon Society is pleased to offer the Stephen B. Fickett, Jr., Conservation Internship Program! The internship program is designed to give the awarded student an opportunity to gain actual experience volunteering at a conservation center managed by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). This real-world experience will help a student to make better decisions regarding their college major and career path. The internship experience will also add to the student's credentials and build their resume. 

The selected student will spend approximately 50 hours volunteering at FWC’s Chinsegut Conservation Center under the direction of the volunteer coordinator. The internship hours will be completed from October 2025 through April 2026, with a start date and schedule to be jointly determined by the student and the volunteer coordinator. At the completion of the internship, Hernando Audubon will provide the student a $1,500 stipend and a reference letter. 

The Internship Program is open to qualified high school seniors who are interested in pursuing a career in the conservation/environmental sciences. Students must reside within the zip codes of the Hernando Audubon territory which includes all of Hernando County and portions of southern Sumter County. In general terms, this includes the town Bushnell and surrounding community. Students who have previously participated in Science/Conservation/Environmental clubs or other related activities are encouraged to apply. The selected student will be introduced at our meeting on October 23, 2025. Upon completion, Hernando Audubon will recognize the intern and present the $1,500 stipend at our meeting on April 23, 2026.   

Applications must be postmarked or be received by email no later than October 1, 2025.

Applications to participate in the internship program should include all items listed below:

• Listing of achieved GPA for previous two years (A high grade-point average is not the primary criteria that will be used to make selection award.)

• Identification of the college or university the student plans to attend

• Intended field of study (major)

• A resume indicating academic achievements and listing of extracurricular activities

• A 300-500 word essay describing: My Personal Goals and Ambitions to Help Protect Florida’s Natural Environment

• A reference letter from high school teacher or guidance counselor – a phone call or email to the Hernando Audubon Conservation Internship Committee can be substituted for reference letter

• A parent’s or guardian’s signature

Applications may be submitted by U.S. mail or Email to:

Hernando Audubon Conservation Internship Committee

Attention: Kristi Strazzullo 

12055 Osprey Ave

Brooksville, FL 34614

Email: kristi.sustainability@gmail.com

Questions regarding this internship opportunity should be directed to Kristi Strazzullo at kristi.sustainability@gmail.com

or by phone at (352) 701-6766.