Bill Raynor Micronesia Challenge Scholarship Announces 2024 Scholarship Awardees
By Bertha Reyuw
The Bill Raynor Micronesia Challenge (BRMC) Scholarship, administered by the Micronesia Conservation Trust (MCT), received a record number of applications this year, marking the highest level of interest since its establishment in 2017. Following a thorough selection process, the Scholarship Committee is proud to announce the selection of Ms. Kathrine R. Perez and Mr. Rennie Teiwerpal as the recipients for this year. Both scholars are pursuing their Master's in Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Guam (UOG).
Ms. Kathrine Perez, a native of Guam, is in her first year at UOG. She is pursuing a career as a soil scientist, recognizing the critical need for experts in this field across the Micronesia region. Ms. Perez is focusing her studies on soil properties and aims to champion initiatives that will enhance soil health, ultimately benefitting farmers, forest restoration specialists, and other stakeholders in the agricultural and environmental sectors. She envisions collaborating with the Departments of Agriculture in the Micronesia region and the USDA NRCS to facilitate workshops and training programs to guide and support soil and water conservation efforts.
Mr. Rennie Teiwerpal, a native of Yap, is expected to graduate in May 2025 and is currently working on his dissertation, which focuses on assessing the chemical and physical properties of cocopeat to evaluate its effectiveness as a growing medium. Mr. Teiwepal hopes that his research will influence sustainable agricultural practices in Yap and across the broader Micronesia region. During his interview, he expressed a strong desire to return to his home island to actively contribute to local communities by sharing the knowledge and expertise he has acquired through his academic pursuits and work experiences.
The BRMC Scholarship aims to support Micronesian students from the Palau, Guam, the Northern Marianas Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands enabling them to pursue graduate degrees in fields related to environmental conservation and natural resource management.
Since its inception, the BRMC Scholarship has supported over 20 students; more than 92 percent have returned to their home islands, where they actively contribute to local environmental and resource conservation initiatives.
MCT and its partners take pride in the program’s success and remain committed to securing continued funding to support future scholars. For more information on how to apply to the BRMC Scholarship program or support the program, please contact MCT at breyuw@ourmicronesia.org or visit our website: https://www.ourmicronesia.org/scholarships/bill-raynor-micronesia-challenge-scholarship
