Tails of Hope–WI Future in Animal Care Scholarship
At Tails of Hope-WI, our mission has always been to save and improve the lives of animals in need. The Tails of Hope-WI Scholarship was created to support students who share that same passion and are dedicated to addressing the critical workforce shortage in animal care professions.
This scholarship recognizes individuals pursuing education in veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, animal science, zoology, and related fields—students who demonstrate compassion, commitment, and a drive to make a difference in animal welfare. As the need for skilled animal care professionals grows and education costs rise, we’re proud to invest in the next generation of animal advocates who will carry our mission forward.
Why we are focused on these states:
Our scholarship program is limited to applicants from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and Texas. These four states represent the heart of our rescue network — Wisconsin and Minnesota as our home base for adoptions, and Oklahoma and Texas as the regions where we partner with shelters to rescue at-risk animals. By focusing on these areas, we aim to strengthen the communities that share in our mission of compassion and second chances.
Eligibility Requirements:
Resident of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Oklahoma, or Texas
Enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited college, university, or technical school for the upcoming academic year
Enrolled in at least 6 credit hours per term (part-time and full-time students eligible)
Pursuing a degree or career path in animal science, veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, zoology, or another animal-related field
Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
High school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate students are all eligible
Selection Process:
Applications will be reviewed by the Tails of Hope-WI Scholarship Committee. Selection is based on passion, commitment, and academic dedication to animal welfare.
Timeline:
March 1–31, 2026 – Application Window
April 1–15, 2026 – Initial Review
Mid-April 2026 – Finalist Interviews
May 1, 2026 – Recipients Notified
Evaluation Criteria:
Essay Quality – Depth of passion for animal welfare, clarity of goals, and thoughtful responses
Volunteer Experience – Demonstrated commitment to serving others (animal-related or general)
Letter of Recommendation – Strength of endorsement and insight into applicant’s character
Academic Achievement – GPA and performance
Top finalists will be invited to participate in a brief interview (virtual or in-person). Final selections will be made following interviews, and committee decisions are final.
Application Requirements:
Completed Application Form – including all personal, contact, and academic information
Proof of Acceptance or Enrollment – official or unofficial acceptance letter or enrollment verification showing:
Acceptance into or current enrollment in an accredited institution
Declared major/program in animal science, veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, zoology, or related field
Personal Essay (500 - 750 words) - prompt provided below
Letter of Recommendation – from a teacher, professor, mentor, employer, or volunteer supervisor
Award Details:
Number of Scholarships: 2 per year
Scholarship Amount: $1,000 each
Use of Funds: Tuition, fees, books, or other education-related expenses
Non-renewable, but applicants may reapply in future years
How to Apply:
Complete the application form below.
Once submitted, all supplemental materials must be emailed to adopt@tailsofhopewi.org with the subject line: Tails of Hope-WI Scholarship Application – [Your Full Name]
Supplemental materials include: personal essay, letter of recommendation, proof of enrollment/acceptance to your school, and your volunteer experience (if not completed in the application).
Deadline to Apply: March 31, 2026
Essay Prompt:
Personal essay (500-750 words) addressing all three prompts:
Describe a meaningful experience with animals that influenced your decision to pursue this career path
What specific shortage or challenge in animal care are you most passionate about addressing, and how do you plan to make an impact?
Tell us about your volunteer or community service experience and what it taught you about serving others