Bridge Scholars

2026 Bridge Scholars

Are you an undergraduate or graduate student interested in furthering your career in the agronomic, crop, soil, and environmental sciences? Consider applying for the ASA, CSSA, SSSA Bridge Scholars Program - open to students in the United States and US Territories.

The Bridge Scholars Program encourages scientific development in agricultural and environmental sciences through scholarship, networking, and professional development for all students including those in historically under-represented groups (including Black, African, Hispanic, LatinX, Mexican, Native American, and Hispanic/Chicano students), regardless of gender, sex, and/or disability. The program focuses on bringing students to the ASA, CSSA, SSSA annual scientific conference, known as CANVAS.

The program, funded by the Agronomic Science Foundation, is providing scholarships for up to eight students who will be awarded:

• Fully funded registration and abstract fee to the 2026 ASA-CSSA, SSSA, CANVAS Meeting in Portland, OR, November 1-4.
• A one-year membership in ASA, CSSA, and SSSA.
• Financial aid for travel to the Annual Meeting, consisting of paid lodging and a $600 travel scholarship.
• Paid abstract fees (if presenting)
• 1:1 Mentorship with esteemed scientists from a range of career disciplines.
• Access to professional development workshops, scientific sessions, and corporation connections, and other scholarship opportunities.

Learn more about the program in the March 2024 CSA News magazine!

View previous undergraduate and graduate programming at the meeting.

1. Bridge Scholars Application Process

All undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply, including MANRRS and SACNAS students. ASA-CSSA-SSSA membership is not required, however it is required that you create an account within our system in order to apply.

• View, learn more, and Submit your Application to the Bridge Scholars Program by June 15th, 2026.
• Request a supporting letter from your advisor (via the application process) and have them upload it to the system by June 15, 2026.
• If you have questions on the program, please contact Jamie Nix at jnix@sciencesocieties.org
• Questions on the application process? Contact awards@sciencesocieties.org

2. Abstract Submission

If you are applying for this award, consider submitting your scientific abstract to present an oral or poster presentation at the 2026 CANVAS Annual Meeting. Due to the timing, an abstract is not required but is encouraged for applicants. Reimbursement for an abstract will be provided as part of the program. Abstract submissions are open through June 23. To learn more visit www.sciencesocieties.org/canvas/submit. We encourage students who are submitting an abstract to also present in the Diversity Student Poster Competition.

Deadlines:

• Finalize Application and submit with a letter of support from your advisor: June 15, 2026, midnight CST.
• We expect results will be communicated by July 24, 2026.
• Up to 8 Students will be selected for 2026.