The High Country Audubon Society (HCAS) aims to encourage and support young bird enthusiasts' participation in bird-related activities, especially those who are financially constrained. Through offering scholarships, HCAS seeks to foster a younger generation's interest and involvement in birding, thereby extending the wonders and educational opportunities birding presents to all ages.
The HCAS Birding Scholarship is established to help young birders, specifically college students or recent graduates, attend Carolina Bird Club (CBC) meetings, which are key birding events held three times a year across North and South Carolina. Recognizing that financial limitations deter younger individuals from participating, the scholarship provides financial assistance covering expenses like CBC membership fees, meeting registration, accommodation, an evening banquet, and a gas stipend. Up to four awards of $810 to $870 can be granted to an individual or a group of applicants, aiming to lower the barriers to entry for young birders residing or studying in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Watauga, and Wilkes counties who are 25 years old or younger.