The Rural Sociological Society (RSS) and the Membership Committee are pleased to announce that travel awards are available to support the attendance and participation of graduate students and rural scholars with limited travel funds at the annual conference to be held in Richmond, Virginia. These awards will be given on a competitive basis and are meant to assist students and others in defraying costs associated with attending the RSS meeting. Awardees will be reimbursed at the annual meeting in Richmond.

We anticipate granting awards at the minimum amount of $100 per recipient or at a maximum amount of $300; however, the amount of funds and the number of awards may fluctuate depending on the number of applications and the need described therein.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

To be eligible for the award, an applicant must be:

• An active participant of the meeting by presenting a paper during a paper session presenting a poster on research.
• A student pursuing a degree relevant to rural studies in an academic institution OR able to demonstrate a lack of funds to attend the annual meeting.
• A member of the Rural Sociological Society at the time of receiving the award.

To apply, an applicant must submit: 

• A completed Travel Award Application (see below)
• If student, a letter of support or recommendation from a faculty member or department chair. If nonstudent, a letter of support which also documents need from a current boss/department chair or former advisor (e.g., for those seeking employment). Please have these emailed directly to Dr. Cope by the letter writer.

Completed applications should be submitted to Michael R Cope via e-mail to [email protected] (please note the “r” in the email address) no later than February 15th, 2019, 11:59 p.m. (EST).

The Membership Committee will make selections and announce decisions by March 29th , 2019.

To download the application, click here.