How did the Forestry Foundation Scholarship impact your journey? 

Starting a career in forestry takes more than interest or coursework. For many students, it also requires support, both financial and professional as well as personal, to turn an opportunity into a career. 

The Louisiana Forestry Association’s (LFA) Forestry Foundation Scholar program was created to provide that support. Through scholarships and connections to the forestry community, the program helps students navigate the early stages of their education and careers, reducing barriers and opening doors along the way. 

In this second of four series, Forestry Foundation Scholars share how the LFA scholarship impacted their journeys, and how that support helped shape the paths they are on today. 

Asija Rice: Confidence and Opportunity 

For Asija Rice, project forester at the Center for Heirs’ Property, the LFA scholarship provided more than just financial relief; it created the space to grow as a student and a professional.

“When I think about my college experience, people were really taking care of us. That scholarship helped with my cost of living. It gave me the space to grow.” 

The mentorship that came alongside the scholarship also played a crucial role: 

“After enrolling at Southern University, the LFA mentors stayed in touch and encouraged my growth. That support helped build my confidence, leadership skills, and ability to step into professional roles, experiences that continue to shape my career today.” 

Through this support, Rice was able to step fully into leadership opportunities and connect with her community in meaningful ways: 

“Being able to touch the community, that’s what makes me forest proud. When we have 150 people coming through museum events, learning about leaf rubbings or fire safety, they leave knowing something they can take home and share.” 

Carter Crosby: Building a Career with Support 

For Carter Crosby, now the owner of a land and resource company serving private landowners, the scholarship’s impact went far beyond financial assistance.

“The financial support was invaluable, but the scholarship’s impact extended far beyond funding. It gave me a competitive edge when applying for internships and, later, full-time positions. Having the Forestry Foundation Scholarship on my resume helped me stand out and opened doors to opportunities with major timber companies out west. Those internships became the foundation of my career, and I firmly believe the scholarship played a key role in making them possible.” 

Crosby’s experience shows how early support can shape long-term careers in forestry. When students are given the resources and encouragement to pursue this work, the impact extends well beyond the classroom into the forests and communities they serve. 

 

Joshua Adams: Preparing for the Future 

Joshua Adams, program chair for the Forestry Program at Louisiana Tech University, also experienced the power of LFA support firsthand as a student. 

“When I was a freshman, I was intimidated walking into the LFA scholarship interview. They were huge industry professionals. But it was great prep for the future, it gave me confidence for interviews and helped me see what the field really values. LFA stayed in touch through school, checking on us and supporting us every step of the way.” 

For Adams, the LFA Forestry Foundation scholarships also provided critical financial support that enabled hands-on learning experiences: 

“The LFA scholarships made it possible to participate in summer programs that the state scholarship didn’t fully cover. That funding was a huge relief and allowed me to fully engage in hands-on fieldwork: experiences that shaped my career.” 

He sees the same impact in the students he mentors today: 

“A lot of my current students are funded through LFA, more than the state scholarship program. It gives them confidence, shows them they belong in forestry, and reduces the stress that can come with pursuing this path.” 

Programs like the Forestry Foundation Scholar program demonstrate that investing in students is an investment in the future of forestry. By providing scholarships, mentorship, and encouragement, LFA is reducing financial stress, opening doors, and validating that these students belong in the sector. 

For organizations and associations, supporting the next generation of foresters doesn’t have to look the same everywhere, but removing barriers and providing early support can make a lasting difference for students. 

For students interested in forestry, scholarships and mentorship opportunities exist across the country. Taking time to research these resources can be an important first step toward a rewarding career in the field.