Columbia, TX (Jan. 16, 2026) — The Texas Outdoor Writers Association (TOWA) is now accepting applications for the Bob Hood Annual Scholarship, a $1,000 award that supports students preparing for careers in outdoor-related fields, wildlife management, or environmental conservation.
The scholarship is open to students currently enrolled in an accredited Texas college or university. Preference will be given to applicants who actively communicate about outdoor, conservation, or environmental topics, including journalists, photographers, media professionals, bloggers, and social media influencers.
The Bob Hood Annual Scholarship honors the legacy of Bob Hood, a respected outdoor communicator and longtime supporter of Texas Outdoor Writers and the next generation of conservation-minded professionals.
“The outdoors shaped my father’s life, and he was always eager to share that passion with others,” said Shelly Hood Archer, Bob Hood’s daughter. “By supporting students committed to conservation and outdoor communication, this scholarship helps ensure that his love for the outdoors lives on through the next generation.”
Applications must be submitted by March 31, 2026, and the scholarship recipient will be selected by April 15, 2026. The winner will be announced and formally awarded at the E.I.C. Awards Banquet & Fundraiser during the Texas Outdoor Writers Annual Conference on May 2, 2026, in Rockport, Texas. This year’s conference theme is Guardians of Tomorrow.
Complete scholarship information and the application can be found at https://towa.org/bob-hood-scholarship/.
About Texas Outdoor Writers Association
Texas Outdoor Writers Association is dedicated to promoting excellence in outdoor communication while supporting conservation, education, and the professional development of writers, photographers, and media professionals who share the stories of Texas’s outdoor heritage.
