Oceans for Youth Scholarship Program

The Oceans for Youth Scholarship program provides funding for internships or marine-related academic training for those who are considering a career in an underwater-related field.

The range of education may include funding for activities such as in the field studies, underwater research, scientific expeditions, laboratory assignments, equipment testing and design, photographic instruction, and other aquatic-related endeavors.

Scholars pursue activities or courses of study in their chosen field within one year of the Scholarship.

Oceans for Youth Foundation sees the selected scholar as an individual with the potential to make significant contributions to the marine world even though he or she may not have yet chosen a specific career path.

The scholarship emphasizes experience in activities that will contribute to a well-rounded education.

Eligibility:

Scholarship Eligibility Requirements:

• Minimum age of 16 and maximum age of 21, at the time of the application deadline (May 2012);
• Applicant has not yet earned a college graduate degree by April 1 of the scholarship year;
• Minimum: average academic standing.
• Certification as an Open Water Diver, with dives logged in the past two years.
• Evidence of adequate health insurance for duration of scholarship term.
• Submission of a completed diving medical examination form, dated and signed prior to the scholarship application.

Expectations:

The Scholar must identify a field of study with discipline, enthusiasm, and an open mind. Certain experiences may require considerable independent study or specialized training courses in order for the Scholar to be a safe and contributory participant. In all cases, the goal is to provide an opportunity for meaningful involvement and learning to take full advantage of the available opportunities.

At the end of the experience or study year, the Scholar must prepare an evaluation of his or her educational experience and how it has shaped career goals. This self-evaluation is reflected in a required final report to the Board of Directors.

Cash Awards and Scholarship Awards:

This scholarship is newly established in 2010 with donations to the foundation as the primary funding source. Six (6) scholarships will be awarded each year, (3) Field training scholarships valued at $5,500 each (1) cash scholarship @ $1,000, and (2) cash scholarships @ $500. The Board of Directors will remit scholarship funds directly to the organization for which the Scholar is seeking assistance.

Field training scholarships:

These 14 day scholarships are provided to applicants that are already basic certified scuba divers. Scholarship award includes individual/personal training and travel to Caribbean dive destination such as Belize, Cayman Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Recipients will be trained extensively in the operation of live-aboard dive yachts and experience underwater related specialties that will include national recognized certification in Advance Open Water, Deep, Night, Navigation, Boat, Equipment, Search and Recovery and Rescue. All of these specialities will be offered to those awarded with this scholarship.

Youth Summer Camp Scholarship

Courtesy of Kids Sea Camp, this scholarship award allows the winner to participate in a 7 day recreational dive expedition to a foreign country. Learn more by visiting web link: www.kidsseacamp.com The Scholar will be responsible for travel to and from the dive destination and expected to work along with the camp leaders as a youth counselor. A full week's schedule of events and educational programs promises great times and learning experiences for families with kids age 4-15. The camp includes 7 nights accommodations, diving, meals, excursions, activities for both adults and kids including, diving, snorkeling and many PADI Specialty courses.

Download Scholarship Application in Word format

Download Scholarship Application in PDF format

Completed Scholarship applications must be RECEIVED by mail no later than May 2012 to be considered for the 2012 scholarship.

Members of the Board of Directors will interview all scholarship finalists in person or by video teleconference.

Applicants should print, fill out, and mail in along with any additional items, (such as an official transcript from your school, recommendations from teachers and other relevant items) as listed in the Application.

If you are having trouble viewing or printing this file: e-mail or write to us at the address below and we will mail you an application.
For additional information or questions:
OFY Email : info@oceansforyouth.com
OFY mailing: Oceans for Youth Foundation, P.O. Box 10130, Naples, Fl 34101