Grossman Scholar Spotlight: Elle DeWaard

...and I am honored to be one of the 2024 Grossman Scholarship recipients.
I am a junior at Colorado State University studying Forest and Rangeland Stewardship with a concentration in Forest Management. Outside of the classroom, I am the President of Minoritized Genders in Natural Resources (MGNR) and the PR Representative for the Student Alpha Chapter of the Society of American Foresters (SAF).
Growing up in Iowa, I was not personally exposed to careers that involve being in nature, other than agriculture. When I moved to the foothills in middle school, however, my love for the natural spaces surrounding me grew and I wanted to learn more about the beautiful landscapes that feel like home. I decided to pursue a career in forestry for the same reason most people do – I love being outside. What I’ve found, however, is that my career in forestry has a purpose beyond smelling ponderosa pines and watching butterflies. My purpose is to foster the connection and stewardship of natural resources by all, and to encourage the innate relation to nature that we all possess. We can all be stewards of the land. I have begun acting towards this purpose through my leadership roles in MGNR at CSU and SAF at both CSU and Front Range Community College, where I got an Associate’s of Applied Science, Forest Technology. I hope to continue this purpose by having leadership roles in my professional life and teaching people about the environment in my personal life.
My future career goal is to further my education in Silviculture, a forestry discipline I am most drawn to. Silviculture emphasizes natural models of forest management that incorporate principles of species diversity and management timing.

"Silviculture is the art and science of controlling the establishment, growth, composition, health, and quality of forests and woodlands to meet the diverse needs and values of landowners and society such as wildlife habitat, timber, water resources, restoration, and recreation on a sustainable basis" (1).
Silviculture practices are an effort to maintain forests that imitate nature as they experience disturbances such as climate change, disease, and other factors (2). Silviculture treatments can include: pruning, thinning, harvesting, planting, and prescribed burning.
-- And now back to Elle's blog... --

I am intrigued by a role that controls all of the factors that go into forest management such as regeneration, composition, health, wildlife habitat, recreational value, etc. with the goal of meeting the diverse needs and values of society and the ecosystem. To meet this goal, I will take the time to advance in my career through work experience in a variety of agencies and locations post-graduation. I then hope to complete a graduate-level program that will help me become a certified Silviculturist, and work as a Silviculturist somewhere in the intermountain west.
The Grossman Scholarship will help me continue my education at CSU without the financial burden that comes with a university. Without having to worry about my financial ability to complete my undergraduate education, I can shift my primary focus to furthering my forestry education, professional development, and career in Natural Resources. I am currently working on advancing my professional experience by working part-time with the Colorado State Forest Service as a Forestry Technician while attending classes full-time. These synchronous opportunities are important for me to maintain as they both focus on my career development in forestry. The Grossman Scholarship will encourage me to better learn the intricacies of natural resource management and policy, strengthen my technical and professional skills, and have a positive impact in my community.
I am so thankful for this opportunity that Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado has shared with me and am looking forward to being a part of this organization. Get outside and hug a tree!

Elle is one of six students to receive VOC's Grossman Scholarship for the 2024-25 school year. VOC awarded a total of $47,000 in scholarships annually to eligible Colorado residents who have demonstrated a commitment to caring for our environment's natural resources and intend to pursue post-secondary education through an accredited environmental, natural resource, climate, or outdoor industry-related education program in Colorado. VOC also offers 1-2 scholarships per year, funded by Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO), to students who meet the above criteria and are affiliated with any of the partners in the My Outdoors Colorado (MOC) Coalition, or who are connected to the Cole and/or Westwood neighborhoods in Denver.

Header image by Katie Goodleaf. Tree photo 2 by Heidi Hartman.

Forest Service Silviculture . https://www.fs.usda.gov/forestmanagement/vegetation-management/silviculture/index.shtml
The Importance of Silviculture . https://www.marylandforestryfoundation.org/the-importance-of-silviculture/

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Grossman Scholar Spotlight: Addison Elam

July 16, 2026

Agriculture has always been a part of who I am. As an eighth-generation rancher, I was raised with a deep respect for the land, livestock, and the responsibility that comes with both. From an early age, I learned that taking care of the land is just as important as the work we put into it, and that connection has shaped the path I am choosing for my future. After graduating, I will be attending Otero College, where I plan to pursue degrees in Soil and Crop Science along with Agriculture Business (Agribusiness). I chose these areas of study because I want to better understand both the land and the business side of agriculture. Soil and crop science will allow me to focus on improving soil health, increasing productivity, and managing natural resources responsibly. Agribusiness will give me the tools to make sound financial and management decisions that are necessary to run a successful operation. My passion for these fields comes from growing up in agriculture and seeing firsthand how everything is connected. Healthy soil leads to better crops and forage, which directly impact livestock and the success of an operation. I have learned that caring for the land is not just about today—it is about ensuring that future generations have the same opportunities. Whether it is through conservation practices, responsible grazing, or improving soil health, I want to be part of protecting and strengthening agriculture while continuing to produce food. In addition to my background at home, my involvement in 4-H, FFA, and conservation-related work has strengthened my connection to both agriculture and nature. Through these experiences, I have learned the importance of leadership, education, and sharing knowledge with others. I have also had the opportunity to work on soil moisture monitoring projects and participate in conservation efforts, which have further encouraged me to pursue a career that blends agriculture with environmental stewardship. Receiving this scholarship is an incredible opportunity that will help me continue working toward my goals. It not only provides financial support but also reinforces that the path I have chosen is meaningful. This support will allow me to focus more on my education and gaining the knowledge and skills I need to succeed without as much financial stress. In the future, my goal is to own and operate my own ranch. I want to build an operation that reflects strong business practices and a deep respect for the land. I also hope to work in a field such as natural resources or conservation, where I can continue to apply what I have learned and give back to the agriculture community. I am grateful for the support this scholarship provides. It is not only an investment in my education, but also in my future and the future of agriculture.