The Kalamazoo Bee Club aims to provide pathways to beekeeping for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) through its two-year scholarship program. The first year provides funds for bee education, including KBC Bee School; KVCC 101, 102 and 103; PPE up to $150; and other educational activities as approved by the mentor (such as books, MBA conference, etc.) up to $1,000 per recipient. The second year of funding provides up to $1,000 for bees, bee equipment and tools. Up to three scholarships will be awarded.
Our ideal candidate is a nature lover, concerned about the environment, willing to learn, and excited to explore and encourage others in environmental endeavors.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must identify as BIPOC.
- Must have reliable transportation.
- Must attend minimally eight KBC meetings annually.
- Must initiate or participate in at least one KBC outreach event annually.
- Must be able to enroll/complete Bee School in the year of their initial award.
- Must be able to enroll/complete KVCC’s Beekeeping 101, 102 and 103 in the year of their initial award.
- Must be willing to appear in KBC communications/outreach.
- Must have government-issued ID for Kalamazoo County.
Application deadline was Nov. 30, 2024. Recipient applications are now being reviewed.
Finalists will be interviewed by our scholarship committee. Recipients will be notified in early January 2025.
The Kalamazoo Bee Club is a nonprofit pollinator and beekeeper-supportive organization with a major focus on education. This BIPOC opportunity is a first for us, and as a group of volunteer humans, we will undoubtedly stumble and make mistakes. Thanks for your patience. We would appreciate any insights you are willing to share with us about this opportunity and process as we strive to bring beekeeping to an underserved population. Please send your suggestions to [email protected].