African American college students pursuing aquarium-related degrees can apply beginning Sept. 9 to win thousands of dollars in scholarships through the Aquarium of the Pacific’s African American Scholar Program.

Any African American college student in California studying aquarium-related careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) is invited to apply. That includes fields such as ocean education, animal husbandry, water quality, building maintenance or facilities, microbiology and business management, among others.

The program, now in its third year, was created to lower barriers to African American students through financial support and networking opportunities. Each recipient is awarded $10,000, however, the number of recipients varies each year depending on the applicant pool and dollars raised in support of the program, according to a spokesperson for the aquarium. Last year the program awarded $10,000 to 11 students, for a total of $110,000.

“The Aquarium of the Pacific is committed to creating pathways for African American students to pursue careers in our field, and it has been very gratifying for us to collaborate with the scholars from this program as they engage in the Aquarium’s work. This has included developing new initiatives and serving as a platform for the scholars to connect with other scientists and the next generation of students,” said Anthony Brown, member of the selection committee.

In addition to scholarship money, recipients will have opportunities to engage in various aquarium programs, such as writing for the aquarium’s member magazine or serving as judges in an environmental film festival for high school students. Winners are also invited to attend a fall symposium designed to strengthen their relationship with the aquarium and each other. The symposium usually entails activities such as meeting aquarium staff, hearing from a panel of STEM professionals and connecting with high school students from the Long Beach Unified School District.

Recipients of the 2021 African American Scholar Fund of the Aquarium of the Pacific participate in the fall symposium. Photo courtesy Aquarium of the Pacific.

Applicants of any age may apply but must be California residents of African American heritage, provide proof of acceptance or enrollment at an accredited university, community college or trade school studying the aforementioned fields and hold a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher from the most recent academic year. They must also provide a resume/CV, two letters of recommendation from a non-aquarium affiliated professional or instructor, and include a 500-750 word essay describing what inspired the applicant to pursue an education in their field of study. Graduating high school seniors headed to college are also welcome to apply.

Applications for the 2023 African American Scholar Program are due by Nov. 25. Recipients will be notified by Jan. 20 2023, and awards will be presented to the recipients at the aquarium’s 21st annual African American Festival on Feb. 25, 2023. For program details and submission guidelines, click here.

Aquarium of the Pacific to award 10 African American students $10K in scholarships