Each year, the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District selects students to receive the Burke Scholarship, which supports those pursuing careers in natural resources. These scholarships are used for tuition at a Nebraska college or university where the student is enrolled full-time in a two- or four-year degree program in a natural resources related field. 

The 2023 recipients were Morgan Ekhoff and Jack Allen of Aurora, and Elizabeth Marsh of York. Noah Fields of Seward was named as the alternate for the award.

The family of Raymond A. Burke established this scholarship in his memory. Burke was a land improvement contractor and farmer with very strong interests in the management of conservation, and educating young people. He served for 40 years on the elected boards of the Polk County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District. From time to time, donations memorializing other individuals have been added to the Raymond A. Burke Scholarship Fund. The Upper Big Blue NRD administers two scholarships awarded annually in the amount of $2,000 each.

Scholarship qualifications include:

• Permanent home address of the applicant is in the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District. 
• Currently attending or will attend in the upcoming semester a two-year or four-year Nebraska college or university.
• Currently enrolled in or will be enrolled in the upcoming semester in a course of study leading to an associate or undergraduate degree in a natural resources related field. 
• Intend to enter the workforce upon graduation in a “hands-on” position, such as a soil or water conservationist, resources manager or engineering technician.
• Are not family members of staff/board of directors of the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District.

The deadline for submitting an application for the Burke Scholarship is Friday, March 22, 2024, 5:00 p.m.

Full details and application

Photo: Morgan Eckhoff (right) was a 2023 Burke Scholar and an intern at the Prairie Plains Institute in Aurora.