ESA Marsh Scholarship Program

Name: ESA Marsh Scholarship Program

Award Amount: Varies

Information And Eligibility:
The ESA Marsh Scholarship Program is a long-standing education award offered by the Eastern Surfing Association to support student members pursuing higher education. Established in the early 1980s, this program is recognized as the largest and longest-running scholarship initiative within the United States surfing community. The scholarship was created to encourage academic achievement and personal growth among ESA members while reinforcing the organization’s commitment to education and lifelong development beyond competitive surfing.

Unlike many sports-related scholarships, the ESA Marsh Scholarship Program does not evaluate applicants based on athletic performance or competition results. Instead, selection is grounded in academic effort, educational goals, and continued involvement in the ESA as a member in good standing. This approach ensures that students from all competitive levels have an equal opportunity to be considered, regardless of surfing accolades.

Applicants must be current ESA members and actively pursuing postsecondary education at an accredited college, university, or technical institution. The program is open to students in a wide range of academic disciplines, reflecting the diverse career paths of ESA members. Trustees review applications holistically, considering academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and the applicant’s personal statement outlining future goals and educational plans.

A key component of the application is the personal statement, which allows students to explain how their chosen institution and field of study will help them achieve long-term personal and professional objectives. This narrative provides insight into motivation, character, and commitment to education. Letters of recommendation must come from non-family members and should speak to the applicant’s academic responsibility, integrity, and work ethic.

Scholarship recipients are selected by an elected group of ESA trustees who oversee the review process and determine awards based on merit and eligibility. Award amounts vary depending on available funding and the number of qualified applicants. Successful applicants are typically notified by early September, allowing funds to support educational expenses for the upcoming academic year.

The ESA Marsh Scholarship Program represents the organization’s belief that education is a critical foundation for long-term success. By supporting members who are dedicated to their studies, the ESA helps foster well-rounded individuals who carry the values of discipline, commitment, and community into their academic and professional lives.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a current Eastern Surfing Association member in good standing.
• Must be pursuing higher education at an accredited postsecondary institution.
• Must submit an official academic transcript.
• Must provide a letter of recommendation from a non-family member.
• Must submit a personal statement of no more than 500 words.

Application Requirements:

• Completed ESA Marsh Scholarship application.
• Official school transcript.
• Letter of recommendation from a non-family member.
• Personal statement outlining future goals and educational plans.

Deadline: July

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