LITTLE ROCK – Now in their 15th year, the specialty plates administered by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission continue to serve their primary purpose – to generate scholarship funds for college students pursuing degrees in the broad field of conservation. For those students interested in the scholarships, applications must be postmarked by June 14.

Well over a thousand students have been aided by these funds generated by the sale of more than 70,000 license plates over the years.

The plates cost $35 a year, and this is in addition to regular vehicle license fees. Of the money paid, $25 goes to the Game and Fish Commission’s conservation scholarship fund and $10 to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration for handling the sales.

The conservation plates are sold through the revenue offices of the Department of Finance and Administration, not through the AGFC. Gift certificates are available, however, from the AGFC.

Students studying wildlife management, natural resources and educational career paths may apply for the conservation scholarships. Applicants must be full-time students and Arkansas residents with a 2.5 grade-point average. For more information on the scholarship, go to http://www.agfc.com/education/Pages/EducationConservationScholarship.aspx.