CCMI [Central Caribbean Marine institute] opens scholarship applications for Young Environmental Leadership Course to local students

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute wants to give ten students the opportunity to dive in to Cayman’s watersports and tourism industry. May 8th is the deadline for all scholarship applications for the Young Environmental Leadership [YELC] programme. YELC is offered to students from government high schools in year 11, aged 15-18 ,who will be enrolling with the Cayman Islands Further Education Centre.

In partnership with Fosters Food Fair IGA, Go Pro Diving and the Department of Tourism, CCMI hopes to encourage greater appreciation and understanding for the environment and provide practical experience in watersports, boat mechanics and diving.

Applicants will undergo a selection process before embarking on an intensive training and education course. Students will receive up to Rescue Diver level training in Grand Cayman with Go Pro Diving before spending a week at the Little Cayman Research Centre working with CCMI researchers to gain an understanding of the importance of marine conservation to our industry and environmental health. Students that successfully complete the course will be able to enroll in the PADI profession development course for free.

“The goal is to not only give our kids the skills and experience to take part in our dive industry, but to also build a critical understanding of our marine environment,” said CCMI’s PR and Outreach Coordinator Gabriella Hernandez.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for growth. I’ve learnt so many things, been all around the world, and met so many people in my career as a dive master,” the Development Coordinator, Brittainy Slade added.

Scholarship recipients will also get emergency first response training, take classes in species identification and learn about Cayman’s Marine protection and conservation laws. They will also receive assistance for CV writing, interview skills, and be placed into an internship to gain practical experience.

Students that have completed the course have been accepted into internships and gone on to work with the Department of Environment and Red Sail.

“It is difficult for so many Caymanian students to gain these vital skills that employers seek out and our Young Environmental Leadership Course gives these students a real step into a diverse marine or tourism industry,” added Education and Programme Coordinator, Tom Sparke..

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute was founded in 1998 and is committed to sustaining marine biodiversity through research, education, and conservation. For more information about the YELC scholarship course, email our Education Coordinator, Tom Sparke at [email protected] or call 948-1094. Visit our homepage at www.reefresearch.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@reefresearch).

Accompanying Graphics: 2014 YELC students with Go Pro Diving mentors