Youth Beekeeper Scholarship

The scholarship is an excellent way to introduce beekeeping to an interested young person between the ages of 12 and 17. Most participants enjoy learning about cultivating honey bees, and many continue their efforts beyond the program.

Application deadline:  January 15

Objective

1. To educate youth in the art of beekeeping and to promote a better understanding of the value of honeybees to our environment and to the food chain.
2. To provide an opportunity for youth to experience responsibility and enjoyment through beekeeping. 
3. To provide an avenue for youth to engage in an avocation and gain the potential to pursue beekeeping as a hobby, sideline or fulltime vocation.

The Award

1. A one-year membership in the Minnesota Hobby Beekeepers Association.
2. Tuition to University of Minnesota Beekeeping in Northern Climates Online course.
3. A complete set of woodenware for a beehive.
4. A nuc or package of bees for the hive.
5. Beekeeping gear: hat, veil, gloves, hive tool and bee smoker.
6. Mentoring by a MHBA member for one year.
7. Bees and equipment remain the property of MHBA until all requirements of the program are met. If requirements are not met by November 15th, all equipment must be returned to MHBA.

Eligibility

1. The applicant must be between the ages of 12 and 17 on the deadline date on top of page.
2. The applicant must plan to keep their bees within the MHBA membership zone.
3. The applicant must be currently enrolled in public, private or home school.
4. The applicant must have permission and agreement from parent or guardian.
5. The application must be submitted to MHBA no later than the deadline date on top of the page.

Program Committee

1. Finalists will be selected by the Youth Scholarship Program Committee
2. The Youth Scholarship Program Committee will arrange an interview with finalists and parent(s)/guardian(s).
3. The scholarship will be awarded to the applicant by the Youth Scholarship Program Committee and presented at the first meeting in February.

Recipient Requirements

1. Secure an acceptable place to keep the bee colony. Depending on location this may include obtaining a permit. The recipient will be responsible for any fees required for the permit.
2. There may be additional expenses for this endeavor which the recipient is responsible for, including but not exclusively sugar for feed, varroa mite treatments, permit fees etc.   
3. Complete the University of Minnesota Beekeeping in Northern Climates Online course. (Registration paid by MHBA)
4. Register as member of MHBA (Dues paid by MHBA)
5. Attend at least 6 of 10 MHBA meetings (2nd Tuesday of the month, from Feb-Nov)
6. Assemble and paint equipment
7. Keep a log of your beekeeping experience
8. Pick up your bees and install them in your equipment
9. Care for your bees as taught in class and directed by your mentor. This will require working with them at least every 7-10 days for about an hour.
10. Prepare and give a talk about your beekeeping experience to the membership of MHBA at the June meeting.
11. Prepare and give a talk about bees or beekeeping to two public groups of your choosing.
12. Prepare and give a talk about your beekeeping experience to the membership of MHBA at the November meeting.
13. Thank MHBA and others that have donated to the youth program.

How to Apply

1. Download the application
2. Fill out the application form completely.
3. Submit completed application, reference letter and signed Terms and Conditions of Agreement by application deadline.

Email to [email protected]

Or mail completed application to:
Christine Shoemaker
843 Howard St N,
St Paul, MN, 55119