Graduate Marine Conservation Scholarships

Name: Graduate Marine Conservation Scholarships (Women Divers Hall of Fame)

Award Amount: $2,000 each

Information And Eligibility:
The Graduate Marine Conservation Scholarships are offered through the Women Divers Hall of Fame (WDHOF), a nonprofit dedicated to honoring and supporting outstanding women in diving and marine professions. These scholarships provide financial support for graduate students conducting independent research, fieldwork, or applied conservation activities that contribute to the protection and understanding of marine ecosystems. The awards reflect WDHOF’s mission to expand educational opportunities, mentorship, and career development for women in marine conservation and related disciplines, and are funded by individual members and foundation sponsors.

Several awards of $2,000 each are available annually. Unlike traditional tuition scholarships, these funds are intended specifically to support **research, fieldwork, or applied conservation projects** at an accredited university. Funds cannot be used for salary, tuition, living expenses, student loans, prior expenses, or unrelated equipment unless such items are directly tied to the proposed conservation activity. A detailed research proposal explaining conservation objectives, methodology, and anticipated results is a required part of the application process.

These scholarships are sponsored by multiple contributors, including memorial funds and individual supporters within the diving and conservation community. Examples of named awards that fall under this category are:

• Max Benjamin Memorial Graduate Marine Conservation Scholarship
• Meg Donat Graduate Marine Conservation Scholarship
• Rachel Morrison Memorial Graduate Marine Conservation Scholarship
• Richard Laurence Parish Foundation Graduate Marine Conservation Scholarship

Applicants are **open to qualified women only** for the standard awards; some individual sponsored awards may have broader eligibility, but the overarching program is focused on supporting women who are advancing in marine conservation scholarship and practice.

These scholarships not only provide financial backing but also connect recipients to a broader network of marine conservation professionals and diving-related career resources. Past recipients have represented diverse graduate programs in marine biology, environmental policy, fisheries science, maritime law, economics, and other disciplines related to ocean conservation.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be enrolled in an accredited graduate academic or research program related to marine conservation or a closely related field (e.g., marine biology, marine policy, fisheries science, maritime law, economics).
• Must submit a detailed research proposal explaining how the scholarship will be used to advance marine conservation efforts.
• Scholarships are awarded to women as part of the Women Divers Hall of Fame’s program focus on supporting women in marine careers.

Application Requirements:

• Completed online application through the WDHOF scholarship portal.
• Research proposal detailing objectives, methods, and anticipated conservation outcomes.
• Academic transcripts from current graduate studies.
• Letters of recommendation supporting academic or professional potential.

Deadline: Typically opens September 1 and closes October 31 each year (next cycle dates apply).

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