Supporting the next generation of ocean and coastal leaders

Leveraging partnerships with NOAA, ocean conservation nonprofits, and local industry stakeholders, we administer a number of scholarship and fellowship opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students at Florida universities. Our opportunities span a range of interests and enable students to make a real difference for Florida’s coast while carving out their own path for the future.

In 2020, we awarded $523,000 in scholarships and fellowships to students working to address prominent coastal issues. Explore our current opportunities which are generally offered on an annual basis, although dates may vary slightly from year to year.

coastal and ocean scholarship and fellowship opportunities

Aylesworth Foundation Scholarship (Closed)

aylesworth scholarship
This award is for students who are enrolled full time at a university or college in Florida interested in any academic discipline having direct application in ocean science, ranging from biology and engineering to economics and food science. It is intended to be a career award: once selected, a student may continue to receive the award each year as long as satisfactory progress is made toward degree completion. Financial need is a principal criterion.
Application window: April – June
Learn More

Guy Harvey Scholarship Award (Closed)

guy harvey logo

This award supports up to seven students enrolled full time at Florida institutions of higher education who are conducting research related to the biology, ecology, habitat or management of fish in Florida’s ocean environment. Winners receive a certificate designed and signed by Guy Harvey, and $5,000 to support their academic program.

Application window: April – June

Learn More

Florida Outdoor Writers Association Scholarship (Closed)

FOWA logo

Students enrolled in Florida colleges and universities with an interest in communicating appreciation for hunting, fishing and other aspects of the outdoor experience are encouraged to apply for this award. Preference is given to journalism and communications majors. Scholarships range from $500 to $1,000.

Application window: May – June

Learn More

John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship (Closed)

The John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship provides graduate students interested in ocean policy with a 12-month paid position in the legislative or executive branch of federal government in the Washington, D.C. area. The $89,000 award is provided to each fellow for stipend, living expense and travel. The fellowship is highly competitive. Application window: September-February.

Application window: September/October – February

Learn More

NOAA National Marine Fisheries Fellowships (Closed)

logo of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, dark blue on top and light blue on the bottom with white seagull

Fellowships are offered in two specialized areas: population and ecosystem dynamics and marine resource economics. Each fellow is required to work closely with a mentor from NOAA Fisheries who will serve on the fellow’s graduate advisory committee. Awards are approximately $54,000 per year for up to three years.

Application window: November – January

Learn More

Chuck Skoch Scholarship (Closed)

This $1,000 scholarship is presented each year to a Florida high school senior who plans to major in a coastal-related field of study at a Florida university or college. Awards based on competition in the State Science and Engineering Fair. Details through high school science coordinator.

Learn More

Bob Graham Center + Florida Sea Grant Tallahassee Internship (Closed)

Bob Graham Tallahassee Internship Program

In partnership with Florida Sea Grant, the Bob Graham Center has created two internship positions oriented to University of Florida students with an academic major or demonstrated interest and experience in relevant coastal topics. The Florida Sea Grant interns will be placed in a legislative or executive branch office with an ocean or coastal focus. Working closely with Florida Sea Grant staff at UF, the interns will design an outreach project that amplifies the visibility and value of Florida Sea Grant’s mission through their efforts in Tallahassee, applying the knowledge and networking gained during their term.

Application window: September

Learn More

Aquaculture Outreach & Communications Graduate Fellowship (Accepting Applications)

Florida Sea Grant logo

The Florida Sea Grant College Program is soliciting applications for a graduate student fellowship in aquaculture outreach and communications. The fellowship provides a unique educational opportunity for an early career aquaculture specialist with interest and/or background in outreach and science communication to gain hands-on experience working towards sustainable aquaculture development.

Application window: July

Learn More

Contact Information

[email protected]

scholarship opportunities

Keep Up With These Opportunities!

Follow us on social media @FloridaSeaGrant to receive updates about current or new opportunities.