In partnership with undergraduate institutions throughout the state, Maine Sea Grant is now recruiting applications for its annual Undergraduate Scholarship in Marine Sciences. The program is open to current second- and third-year undergraduate students who have declared majors related to marine or coastal issues at any of the participating undergraduate institutions in Maine (College of the Atlantic, Maine Maritime Academy, University of Maine, and University of New England). The goal of this scholarship program is to develop a statewide network of undergraduate scholars doing exemplary academic work on marine and coastal issues, and provide participating students with academic and professional development opportunities in their field. Each applicant selected for this award will receive a $1000 scholarship to support tuition or other academic or research-related expenses. Award recipients will also be invited to attend Sea Grant-sponsored workshops, conferences, and other events related to marine and coastal science, policy, resource management, community outreach, and education. This award is made possible through a matching grant program in which each $500 award from Maine Sea Grant is matched with a $500 award from the selected applicant’s home institution.

The Maine Sea Grant College Program, based at the University of Maine, is part of a national network of 34 Sea Grant programs located in coastal and Great Lakes states. Maine Sea Grant’s mission is to play a leadership role in ocean and coastal research and education, and to promote sustainable development, ecosystem-based management, and stewardship of ocean and coastal resources. The program is supported through a state-federal partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the University of Maine.

Maine Sea Grant is committed to supporting the academic development and professional opportunities of tomorrow’s marine scientists, coastal resource managers, policy practitioners, educators, and industry professionals. This undergraduate scholarship program is one aspect of our workforce development efforts.

• Students must currently be completing their second or third year of undergraduate study at one of the undergraduate institutions participating in this scholarship matching program: College of the Atlantic, Maine Maritime Academy, University of Maine, University of Maine at Machias, University of Southern Maine, Saint Joseph’s College, and University of New England.
• Applicants must have declared a major or other course of study related to marine or coastal issues, and must also be in good academic standing. An individual may only receive the scholarship once, but applicants may reapply if a previous application was unsuccessful. International students are eligible to apply.