Jim Thompson Conservation Scholarship

The Jim Thompson Conservation Scholarship is awarded annually by the Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County to graduating high school seniors pursuing further education in the fields of resource conservation, environmental science, biology, or agriculture. Up to seven scholarships of $1,000 are awarded each year. The scholarship is available to students residing in the RCD of Greater San Diego County boundaries. 

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be residents within the RCD of Greater San Diego County’s sphere of influence
• Have successfully completed three years of study at an accredited high school and be nearing completion of their fourth year
• Have maintained a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale
• Expect, or have received, a “notice of intent” to enroll in undergraduate college courses related to natural resource conservation, environmental science, agriculture, biology, or related fields

The Conservation Scholarship application is open for 2026! 

• Apply here by 11:59pm on Friday, April 10th, 2026!

Please contact our office or education@rcdsandiego.org with any questions.

Speak-Off Competition

Every year, the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts (CARCD) hosts a competition for high school students who want to speak out about conservation. Students first compete at the regional level, with the top speaker advancing to the state competition.

Cash prizes are awarded to the top three competitors at both the regional and state levels:

• Regional Competition: $200 first place; $125 second place; $75 third place (first place winner advances to state competition)
• State Competition: $300 first place; $200 second place; $100 third place.

Click here for program application. 

Click here for program rules & eligibility

Range Camp

Each year, the RCD offers one to two fully sponsored places at Range Camp, a week-long opportunity for students aged 15-18 to discover the science and management of our natural resources and learn from experienced professionals and university faculty. The RCD sponsorship includes payment of the $750 camp fee and round-trip airfare.

To be eligible, students must be between 15-18 years of age and live or attend high school in our service area, which covers the majority of the County.

Sponsorship applications for Range Camp are now open! The application will close April 7th, 2025 at 11:59pm. 

Apply Here!