WALSAA OSA Scholarship Application Logo
  • WALSAA Outstanding Sophomore Award
    10 - $2,000
    (for students of sophomore standing during the 2024-25 school year) 
    Annually, the Wisconsin Agricultural and Life Sciences Alumni Association (WALSAA) selects outstanding sophomores who have demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, and service to the University and their community. These students are awarded a financial gift to apply toward tuition in their junior year at UW-Madison. The Outstanding Sophomore Award winners will be recognized at a WALSAA Outstanding Sophomore & Leadership Award Ceremony on April 4, 2025 and at the Scholars and Donors event in the fall.
     
    The award is open to students in their 2nd year at any university, including transfer students, and is not based on present credits. Students must be planning to attend UW-Madison for their junior year and be enrolled in the CALS program to be eligible for these awards. To apply, complete and submit the application. The application receipt deadline is Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Late applications will NOT be considered. Applicants must be available for interviews Thursday, March 13, 2025.  
     
    Want to learn more about building a resume and interviewing? CLICK HERE
     
    In addition to completing the application, students must submit a professional resume and answer two essay questions (at the end of the application). Each essay answer should be 300 words or fewer. If outside sources are used in your essays, you must site your references.
     

    1. Reflect on your own experiences and insights: Choose five words that highlight the strengths and values of the CALS program that resonate with you. For each word, share a personal story or example that illustrates your choice and its significance to your journey and the broader community.

     

    2. If you had the power to change something in your field of study at UW-Madison, what would it be? How do you believe this change could enhance the educational experience for you and future students?

     
    Please direct all application questions to David Cooper, WALSAA Scholarship Committee Chair, 608-516-1184 or dbcooper2727@gmail.com. 
     
  • Demographic Information:
  • Academic Information:
  • Your resume notes several leadership, service, honors and work experience opportunities you have participated in. Please include additional notations in these areas during college that were not previously shared or you would like to expand upon. Notations are limited to five (5) and should follow these guidelines.
     
    1. Please INCLUDE ONLY activities/experiences/awards you have pursued/completed during College.
     
    2. You MUST INCLUDE length of participation. The preferred method is to indicate the month and year you started participating and the month and year you stopped participating in an activity. For example, March 2023 - December 2024 or March 2023 - Present.
     
    3. You MUST INCLUDE # of hours per week.
     
    Include a brief description (up to 150 words) for each of the noted opportunities (up to 5).
     
  • Example: Badger Dairy Club, September 2023 - present, 3 hrs/wk, Served as secretary, attended officer team meetings, took accurate and organized meeting minutes, communicated with members about club happenings via email, participated in service events and mentored first-year students.
     

  • Resume, Essay Question Responses & Unofficial Transcript: Please use this section to upload your resume, essay question responses, and a copy of your unofficial transcript. If you wish to include additional materials that support your application including letters of recommendation - please upload below. The resume, responses to the essay question (300 words or less for each), and transcript ARE required, additional documents are NOT required.
     
    Students must answer the following essay questions (include responses below). Each essay answer should be 300 words or fewer. If outside sources are used in your essays, you must site your references.

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  • Please direct all application questions to David Cooper, WALSAA Scholarship Committee Chair, 608-516-1184 or dbcooper2727@gmail.com.
     
    Want to learn more about building a resume and interviewing? CLICK HERE
     
    What is WALSAA?
    WALSAA (Wisconsin Agricultural and Life Sciences Alumni Association) established in 1972 is a 501(c)(3) charitable organiation that supports the connection of students, faculty and alumni to the University of Wisconsin's College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (known to many of us as CALS). 
     
    Why is WALSAA relevant? 
    For students, we offer a FREE student membership, provide scholarships and awards, grants for student organizations, as well as access to the WALSAA Speaker's Bureau as a resource for resumes and interviews, along with offering helpful tips for internships and careers.

    For alumni, we are the CALS Connection for Life, a way to stay CONNECTED, an opportunity to NETWORK, and an avenue to GIVE BACK.

    WALSAA supports a number of Scholarship, Grant and Award initiatives. The Outstanding Advisor award established in 1997, the CALS QuickStart program where you can gain an early start on your Wisconsin Experience. WALSAA supports the CALS Ambassadors Program and Student Organization Impact Grants where over $50,000 has been provided in the past five years. Additionally, the Outstanding Sophomore and Senior Impact Awards, recognizing excellence in academics, community service and leadership.
     
  • Please contact David Cooper, WALSAA Scholarship Committee Chair at 608-516-1184 or dbcooper2727@gmail.com with any questions.
     
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