Kurt Grinnell Foundation awards $25,000 in aquaculture scholarships.
The Kurt Grinnell Aquaculture Scholarship Foundation (KGASF) has awarded $25,000 in scholarships to seven Indigenous students in North America for the 2025/26 academic year.
The Gig Harbor, Washington based foundation said the awards are aimed at Tribal and First Nation students pursuing studies in aquaculture, fisheries and natural resource management, in line with the late Kurt Grinnell’s focus on food security, sovereignty and the sustainable use of marine resources.
This year’s recipients are:
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Alana Schofield (Keweenaw Bay Indian Community), in her final year of a BSc in Fisheries and Wildlife Science at Lake Superior State University, Michigan;
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Allison Carl (Chugach Alaska Corporation and Native Village of Eyak), an MS candidate in Biological Sciences at the University of Alaska Anchorage and lab manager at the Alutiiq Pride Marine Institute;
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Apemesim Galipeau (Penobscot Nation), studying Ecology and Environmental Studies at the University of Maine at Orono;
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Ilene Goudy (Yakama Nation), an experienced fisheries technician studying Environmental Science at Heritage University;
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Jaycee Williford (Chickasaw Tribe), entering his second year at the University of Washington’s School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences;
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Joseph (Joe) Brown (Coeur d’Alene Tribe), pursuing an associate degree in fisheries and wildlife at Spokane Community College; and
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Mary Simeon (Yup’ik, Orutsaramiut Traditional Council), studying marine biology with a focus on fisheries science at the University of Alaska Southeast.
KGASF executive director John Dentler said the awardees are “highly motivated” and are expected to make lasting contributions to their tribes and communities through work in aquaculture, fisheries and environmental management.
