WESTON — Back Yard Beekeepers Association (BYBA) announced the fourth year of the Jeff Shwartz “Be Educated in Entomology Scholarship Fund,” a scholarship fund for an educational experience.

The scholarship, currently up to $500, is now awarded annually. 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.

Interested candidates should submit a 500-word essay describing the educational experience they plan to engage in, how this experience will help their fellow earthlings, and how the scholarship will accomplish the goals above.

In addition to the essay, submissions should also include: the candidate’s name, address, email, phone number, and the amount of the fund requested. They should also add in the details of their educational experience and, if available, a website.

Applications should submitted via email to jeffshwartzfund@backyardbeekeepers.com by Friday, August 15. They will be reviewed by the BYBA Charitable Giving Committee.

The scholarship honors the legacy of Jeff Shwartz, a well-known beekeeper, mentor, local volunteer, and member of the Weston-based club Back Yard Beekeepers Association.

Shwartz understood and loved bees, and, in turn, they loved him. He encouraged children to appreciate bees rather than fear them, and 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 Shwartz holding the well-loved bee demonstrations at schools, fairs, and farms.

The 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 towards college tuition.

When Cormac Elliott was selected as the 2024 recipient, he 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.”

Becky Newman from Back Yard Beekeepers Association said, “I am so happy to see that Jeff’s memory lives and that his scholarship is helping people do many different things.”