A local lawmaker is encouraging high school seniors to apply for a conservation scholarship.

The annual Conservation Achievement Scholarship is now accepting applications, and Senate Agriculture Chair Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) invites eligible Illinois high school seniors to apply.

The Conservation Achievement Scholarship will award up to four scholarships of $2,000 each to outstanding high school seniors in Illinois who demonstrate effective, voluntary, long-term dedication to the preservation, protection or enhancement of the state’s natural resources.

“This scholarship program awards our best and brightest students for their hard work and dedication to conservation stewardship,” Joyce said. “I encourage all eligible high school seniors to take advantage of this opportunity and apply.”

The scholarship funds may be used for tuition, college or university fees, textbooks, or room and board. Funds are mailed directly to the college or university of the successful applicant.