Animal Welfare Institute Scholarship
Scholarship Overview: High school seniors who have demonstrated volunteer work/advocacy and intend to pursue a career that will seek to reduce animal suffering and protect vulnerable species.
Application Available: November 24, 2025
Deadline Date: May 1, 2026
Scholarship Details:
High school seniors in the United States are eligible to apply for this scholarship if they
- (1) have demonstrated a commitment to animal welfare through volunteer work and/or advocacy and
- (2) intend to pursue a career that will seek to reduce animal suffering and protect vulnerable species.
Application Requirements:
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals (not family members) who can speak to the applicant’s education record and commitment to animal welfare. One letter of recommendation should be from someone working at the applicant’s school who can speak to the applicant’s abilities as a student, and the other from someone involved with or directly aware of efforts by the student to help protect animals.
- If selected as a finalist, the applicant will be required to supply confirmation of acceptance to a college or university prior to scholarship distribution.
When is the deadline?
The 2026-27 scholarship cycle will open for applications on November 24. Recipients will be announced by May 1, 2026.
A committee from the Animal Welfare Institute will review applications and choose recipients who have a strong track record of advocating for animals and an impressive and clear plan to continue working to reduce the human-inflicted suffering of animals. This committee will also review and confirm the required letters of recommendation.
Application Requirements: Letter(s) of Recommendation
Award Amount: $3,000
Award Details:
All applicants will receive a subscription to the AWI Quarterly magazine. Up to 12 applicants will be chosen to receive scholarships, worth $3,000 each.
Website/URL: https://www.awionline.org/content/animal-welfare-institute-scholarship
Scholarship Manager Information:
Contact Email: scholarships@awionline.org
Filters:
Eligibility: Community Service
Areas of Study: Open to All, Agricultural Sciences, Veterinary Studies
Applicant’s Current Education Level: High School Senior
Location Specific: National