We work to support the engagement of students in NMEA, creating opportunities for young people to learn more about the field of marine education, connect with a network of professionals, and gain support for their own marine education and conservation efforts.
Student Scholarship
The National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) is proud to provide opportunities that support young marine educators, scientists, and conservation leaders. The NMEA Student Scholarship provides our student members with an opportunity to receive $500 US to support educational studies or technical training in pursuit of a career in marine or aquatic education, conservation, research or a related field.
Applications for the NMEA Student Scholarship are open through September 1, 2024 at 11:59pm EDT. Scholarship recipients will be selected and all applicants notified by October 1, 2024.
To apply, review the eligibility requirements below and complete the application questions that follow. Questions? Contact students@marine-ed.org.
Eligibility:
Applicants must be a current student member of the National Marine Educators Association at the time of application. If you are not currently an NMEA member, you can join as a student member at: https://www.marine-ed.org/membership.
Applicants must be at least 18 years or older at the time of application.
Applicants must be pursuing an educational pathway or technical training (certifications, courses etc.) to support a career in marine or aquatic education, conservation, research or a related field.
Applicants must plan to use the funding to support educational or technical training before February 1, 2025. The selected scholarship recipient will be required to submit a report by February 1, detailing the use of the funds, along with photos, that can be featured on NMEA communications platforms.
Selection: Applications for the NMEA Student Scholarship are confidential and will be seen only by reviewers from the NMEA Student Engagement Committee and/or NMEA Board of Directors. Applicant names will be shared with the NMEA National Office to verify membership and with the NMEA Treasurer for payment. Committee decisions will be made and all applicants will be notified approximately one month after the scholarship application deadline.
Student Conservation Project Grants
The National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) is proud to support the work of young people leading marine education, conservation, and research projects in their communities, uplifting the work of NMEA student members. Through the NMEA Student Conservation Project Grants, we provide young ocean leaders with grants of up to $250 to support their work in this field.
Applications for the NMEA Student Conservation Project Grants are open through September 1, 2024 at 11:59pm EDT. Grant recipients will be selected and all applicants notified by October 1, 2024.
To apply, review the eligibility requirements below and complete the application questions that follow. Questions? Contact students@marine-ed.org.
Eligibility
Applicants for the NMEA Student Conservation Project Grants must:
Be a current student member of the National Marine Educators Association at the time of application. If you are not currently an NMEA member, you can join as a student member at: https://www.marine-ed.org/membership.
Be between the ages of 13-18 years old at the time of application.
Use the funding to support a project that advances marine education, conservation, or research in their local communities.
Be the primary driver of the project, ensuring it is authentically student-driven.
Carry out a significant portion of their project plans before February 1, 2025. The selected grantees will be required to submit a report by February 1, detailing the use of the funds, along with photos, that can be featured on NMEA communications platforms.
Selection: Applications for the NMEA Student Conservation Project Grants are confidential and will be seen only by reviewers from the NMEA Student Engagement Committee and/or NMEA Board of Directors. Applicant names will be shared with the NMEA National Office to verify membership and with the NMEA treasurer for payment. Committee decisions will be made and all applicants will be notified approximately one month after the scholarship application deadline.
ANNUAL NMEA STUDENT CONFERENCE OR STUDENT DAY
Students attend the 2023 Student Conference in Bellingham, WA
The one-day NMEA Student Conference or Student Day at NMEA occurs during the annual NMEA Conference. NMEA student members have an opportunity to meet like-minded students and professionals in the marine education field to share ideas and collaborate on projects and connect to a world-wide network of professionals in the field. Student participants engage in conference sessions and other professional development opportunities.
The Student Engagement Committee
Youth engaged in an activity at the 2018 Student Conference
The Student Engagement Committee helps coordinate the annual NMEA Student Conference or Student Day at NMEA, a one-day event during the NMEA Annual Conference that provides an opportunity for middle, high school, and college students to connect with NMEA, take part in workshops and sessions on diverse topics in marine education, conservation, and science, and meet NMEA members and other students who can help further their interest in this field. The Committee also coordinates a variety of activities throughout the year to recruit NMEA student members and support their professional development through webinars and virtual training opportunities.
Events
The NMEA Student Engagement Committee hosts student member focused events throughout the year. Please check back for more information on our next event.
