Brief Information
The Forestry Undergraduate Scholarships 2026–2027 are now open for applications, offering two prestigious $5,000 scholarships to students pursuing Forestry or Wood Science degrees. These scholarships are administered by the Railway Tie Association (RTA) and honor the legacy of John Mabry and Paul Webster, two individuals who played a key role in shaping the association.
Through the Forestry Undergraduate Scholarships 2026–2027, RTA supports the education and development of future leaders in the forestry and railroad supply industries.
Key Dates & Details
Official Website: https://www.rta.org/scholarships
Scholarship Name: John Mabry & Paul Webster Undergraduate Forestry Scholarships
Academic Year: 2026–2027
Organiser: Railway Tie Association (RTA)
Number of Awards: 2 scholarships
Scholarship Value: $5,000 USD each
Fields of Study: Forestry, Wood Science
Eligible Institutions: Accredited two-year and four-year colleges/universities
Application Deadline: February 20, 2026
Winner Notification: By August 7, 2026
Table of Contents
Overview
The Forestry Undergraduate Scholarships 2026–2027 are part of the Railway Tie Association’s long-standing commitment to advancing education within the forestry and railroad supply sectors. As a leading railroad supply organization, RTA recognizes that the future of the industry depends on innovation, technical expertise, and well-prepared professionals.
These scholarships are funded through a generous donation from an anonymous RTA supporter and are awarded annually to students who demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership potential, and clear career goals related to the forestry or wood products industries.
By offering the Forestry Undergraduate Scholarships 2026–2027, RTA aims to:
- Support high-achieving students in Forestry and Wood Science
- Encourage leadership development within the industry
- Strengthen the future workforce of the railroad and wood crosstie sectors
Eligibility
Eligibility for the Forestry Undergraduate Scholarships 2026–2027 depends on the type of institution:
Four-Year Colleges and Universities
Applicants must:
- Be college juniors or seniors
- Not be graduating before the end of the academic year
- Be enrolled in an accredited Forestry or Wood Science program
Two-Year Colleges
Applicants must:
- Be second-year students
- Not be graduating before the end of the academic year
- Be enrolled in an accredited Forestry or Wood Science program
Both categories are eligible to apply for the Forestry Undergraduate Scholarships 2026–2027, subject to final review by the RTA Education Committee.
Selection Criteria
Applications for the Forestry Undergraduate Scholarships 2026–2027 are evaluated based on the following weighted criteria:
- Scholastic achievement: 60%
- Leadership qualities: 30%
- Career objectives: 25%
- Financial need: 10%
📌 Additional consideration may be given based on:
- Quality of written narrative
- Clarity of career goals
- Demonstrated leadership and academic commitment
- Familiarity with the wood crosstie industry
The RTA Education Committee reserves the right to award or deduct points at its discretion. All decisions are final.
Payment Details
Each recipient of the Forestry Undergraduate Scholarships 2026–2027 will receive the scholarship in two equal payments:
- $2,500 for the fall semester
- $2,500 for the spring semester
For institutions operating on quarter or trimester systems, payment schedules will be adjusted accordingly.
Application Details
Applications for the Forestry Undergraduate Scholarships 2026–2027 must be submitted online via the official application form.
🗓 Application Deadline: February 20, 2026
Applicants are encouraged to prepare a strong written narrative highlighting their academic achievements, leadership experience, career goals, and interest in the forestry and railroad supply industries.
For background on forestry education and careers, applicants may explore:
🔗 https://www.fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/careers
How many scholarships are awarded?
Two scholarships of $5,000 each are awarded annually.
Can two-year college students apply?
Yes. One scholarship is open to eligible second-year students at two-year institutions.
When will winners be announced?
Winners will be notified by August 7, 2026.
Are scholarship decisions appealable?
No. All decisions made by the RTA Education Committee are final.
Official Link
👉 Official Scholarships Page (RTA):
🔗 https://www.rta.org/scholarships
👉 Apply Online (Scholarship Application Form):
🔗 https://forms.office.com/r/bQW8wQt7hP
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