Summary: It is well reported that minorities are underrepresented in the STEM fields. This is exceedingly the case in the world of diving and underwater sciences. In 2020, a poll conducted among members of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) showed just 1% of Scientific Divers are Black. As a Preeminent University, Florida State University (FSU) seeks to increase diversity in diving through the creation of an annual diving scholarship that provides funding for an FSU student to become a Scientific Diver. The scholarship will include diving equipment and financial support to complete prerequisite Open Water certification training, and eventually for AAUS Scientific Diver training with FSU's Academic Diving Program (ADP). Any eligible student may apply for the scholarship and will be considered; however, preference will be given to students from historically underrepresented groups, in accordance with applicable University policies, regulations, and federal and state law.

Funding: Funding will be provided by donations, including funds raised and directed to the FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory during FSU’s annual Great Give on March 9, 2022. Funds will be used to cover all requisite expenses such as lab fees, equipment, and certification costs for Scientific Diver training in accordance with the standards of AAUS. If necessary, this will include Open Water training conducted outside of the auspices of FSU with a nationally recognized certifying body.

Application Process: Students interested in the FSU Diving Scholarship must submit an application through the FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory’s webpage. The completed application and supporting materials, including a letter of recommendation and statement of intent, must be submitted directly through the online system. Completed applications are reviewed for eligibility and completeness and evaluated through a merit review process by members of FSU’s Diving Control Board and the FSU Director of National Fellowships.

Eligible Applicants:

• Must be currently enrolled as a full-time student at Florida State University.

• Must be studying a discipline where SCUBA has research applications.

• Must be sponsored by a member of the FSU faculty.

• Must earn and maintain a minimum 3.2 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

• While not a requirement, preference will be given to students from historically underrepresented groups.

Thank you so much for your donation, which helps us increase inclusivity within the Scientific Diving community and support the research efforts of deserving FSU students.