The Vineyard Conservation Society regularly works with Island students on local environmental issues, from beach cleanups and environmental regulation to public art.
Art of Conservation
In 2014, VCS launched what would become an annual tradition: an art contest to encourage our Island’s high school students to deepen their connections with nature and the habitats that sustain it — and to show off their incredible talents.
The Art of Conservation is a creative space for students to contemplate and respond to environmental issues and inspirations. In doing so, they explore a meeting ground of critical thinking and art, and gain insight into the power of imagery to express their ideas or even catalyze social change.
Each year, The Art of Conservation theme explores a new way of looking at our relationship with our environment, whether it’s the resilience of native species, the beauty of weeds, or climate change. VCS partners with local artists for in-classroom discussions and outside adventures, letting kids see how our island inspires professional artists and makers. The artwork is judged by a select group of island conservationists and artists, and awards are presented during a ceremony in May of each year. We partner with the MV Film Society to showcase students’ work during the Environmental Film Festival, before the art is hung across the island at local businesses for the summer. We are thankful for our collaborators at Featherstone Center for the Arts, our community of artists, the teachers at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School, and the MV Film Society for supporting this program throughout the years.
Blum Family Scholarship
The Blum Family & VCS Environmental Scholarship was founded in 2025 to recognize Island students who intend to pursue higher education with a focus on environmental protection. VCS has long wanted to support students’ ongoing education, and is deeply grateful to Jennifer (Treasurer and former President of VCS) and Jonathan Blum for proposing and funding this new opportunity. The Blums’ love for the outdoors, commitment to the Island, and concern for the protection of the environment inspired the scholarship.
Three Vineyard students will be awarded a four-year scholarship of $1000 per year.
“It is our hope to encourage careers in conservation as well as foster a love of the environment in the next generation. We are excited to support students as they deepen their education and explore their passion for the environment.”
— Jennifer Blum, VCS Treasurer
How to Apply
All high school seniors and current college students pursuing studies with an environmental focus are encouraged to apply. Relevant plans of study include ecology, conservation biology, natural resources management, ecological restoration, sustainability studies, and marine, coastal or environmental sciences.
Stewarding a thriving environment touches all aspects of our lives, so candidates might also be focused on related disciplines, including but not limited to: environmental policy; environmental engineering; environmental law; environmental ethics, justice and equity; environmental education; environmental design; climate change; and alternative energy exploration.
For more info, as well as other college funding opportunities, please see the MVRHS scholarship page or the MVPCS scholarship page.
The Virginia Jones Summer Internship in Civic Leadership & Environmental Advocacy
The Vineyard Conservation Society is proud to offer the Virginia (Ginny) Jones Internship in Civic Leadership and Environmental Advocacy, a paid summer internship created to honor the life and legacy of Ginny Jones—an extraordinary advocate for Martha’s Vineyard and a steadfast champion of conservation, civic engagement, and young people. During the 12-week summer internship, interns gain hands-on experience at the intersection of environmental protection, local government, research, and public communication, while working closely with VCS staff on real-world issues facing Martha’s Vineyard. This position is designed for students who are curious about how environmental issues move through local decision-making—and who believe, as Ginny did, that one person can make a difference.
