Jeff Shwartz ‘Be Educated in Entomology’ Scholarship Fund Accepting Applications
The Back Yard Beekeepers Association (BYBA) announced the fourth year of the Jeff Shwartz “Be Educated in Entomology Scholarship Fund.” The scholarship is honoring the legacy of Shwartz, a well-known beekeeper, mentor, local volunteer and member of the Weston-based club, the Back Yard Beekeepers Association. Applicstion deadline id Aug. 15, 2025
Swartz understood and loved bees and in turn, they loved him. He devoted the last part of his life to educating adults and kids alike about honey bees as well as other insects. Members of the community looked forward to his well-loved bee demonstrations at schools, fairs, and farms. He encouraged children to appreciate bees rather than to fear them. He loved anything that was living and believed all living things could use help.
The popular scholarship fund is now in its fourth year. The funds have been used by middle school, high school and college students. Some used the funds to secure transportation to an animal rescue while others have used the funds toward college tuition.
In 2024 Cormac Elliott was the recipient and said “I cannot thank the BYBA enough for choosing me as the recipient as it is a major contribution to my endeavors at Fairfield University for mechanical engineering. This scholarship is great because it allowed me to reflect and also think about the environment, helping the society, and especially bees.”
“I am so happy to see that Jeff’s memory lives and that his scholarship is helping people do many different things,” said Becky Newman from the Back Yard Beekeepers Association.
Details:
The Jeff Shwartz scholarship, currently up to $500, is now awarded annually. Applications should be received via email by Aug. 15, 2025.The funds can be used for items such as tuition/classes, books, registration, class materials, research projects and transportation. Candidates should have an interest in their fellow earthlings and the natural world. An ideal candidate will be looking to broaden their education and better the planet for all living things. There is no age limit for this scholarship.
To Apply:
Submit a 500-word essay describing the educational experience you plan to engage in, how this experience will help your fellow earthlings, and how the scholarship will accomplish the goals above. Please include with your essay: your name, address, email, phone number, and the amount of the fund requested. Add in the details of your educational experience and, if available, a website.
Applications will be reviewed by the BYBA Charitable Giving Committee. The submission email is jeffshwartzfund@backyardbeekeepers.com.
The Back Yard Beekeepers Association (BYBA) is one of the nation’s largest regional clubs for beekeeping hobbyists with over 400 members. Some of the members are just getting started as beekeepers, and some have enjoyed this hobby for years. All share an interest in the wonderful and remarkable world of the honey bee. The mission of BYBA is to provide the membership with a forum for sharing knowledge and mutual interests in beekeeping, and to educate and promote the benefits of beekeeping to the public. The club is located in Weston, with a bee yard in Easton. Classes are offered live and/or on zoom to appeal to the global nature of the membership. For more information, visit backyardbeekeepers.com or write to paulawolf@email.com. (*not gmail)
