CCMI offering more than 50 scholarships to Caymanian students in 2023
The Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) has released information about scholarships for several key residential education experiences that take place at the Little Cayman Research Centre. This year, more than 50 scholarships spanning a range of programmes for primary, secondary, and tertiary level Caymanian students are available, offering unique opportunities for students to learn about coral reefs, marine ecology, and current conservation topics from CCMI’s expert educators and scientists.
CCMI Education Coordinator, Victoria Mann, is very excited that CCMI will again be able to reach so many local students with scholarships to attend on-site programmes. “We love to get to know and work with students through our courses. Being able to offer so many scholarships ensures we reach a wide audience who many not otherwise have the chance to participate in our programmes. Our hope is that their experience with CCMI inspires them to continue learning about the oceans and take positive action for a sustainable future for the Cayman Islands and our coral reefs.”
CCMI runs several immersive experiences for local and international students at the remote field station in Little Cayman, with programmes ranging from a 3-day/2-night experience for primary students (Marine Ecology Course) to six-month internships for students attending university. Thanks to sponsors and other supporters, CCMI can offer such a large number of scholarships each year to encourage local students to connect with the ocean and provide a path to a potential career in marine science through courses that build knowledge and skills related to the field.
CCMI is currently accepting applications for the following scholarships. Programme information and scholarship applications can be found in the Education section at reefresearch.org. Questions about any of the programmes can be sent to [email protected].
Young Environmentalist Leadership Course (YELC)
For: Students (ages 16-20) interested in pursuing a career in marine science/conservation and/or dive tourism
Application deadline: Friday, 17th March 2023
About the programme:
Recognizing there was a need in Cayman to support local students who were interested in careers in marine science and dive/watersports tourism, CCMI created YELC to provide this opportunity. After a decade, CCMI is seeing YELC alumni flow into professional roles into both these fields in the Cayman Islands. YELC participants complete PADI Open Water, Advanced Open Water, and Rescue Diver certifications in Grand Cayman, and they attend a 10-day intensive, hands-on experience with CCMI’s education and research staff at the Little Cayman Research Centre. Students work on field projects as well as learn to use instruments and equipment to broaden their horizons and experiences that can be used in the workplace. Following the programme, CCMI maintains contact with YELC participants, provides opportunities to practice dive skills, and offers important support as students further their careers on island. Dive Training with GoPro Cayman runs every Saturday (Grand Cayman) 25th March – 8th July; Little Cayman trip – 2-11 August 2023.
Ocean Science Scholars – Caribbean Marine Ecology Course
For: Students (ages 13-17), both divers and snorkellers welcome!
Application deadline: Friday, 28th April 2023
About the programme:
A week-long residential summer camp at our Little Cayman Research Centre for teens who love to snorkel, SCUBA dive, ride bicycles, explore nature, kayak, and take part in outdoor STEM lessons with their friends. This is a fun, interactive, and engaging summer camp for those who want to enjoy themselves and boost their resume with experiences related to marine science, tropical ecology, and environmental conservation.
Ocean Science Scholarship – Marine Education Internship
For: Students or recent graduates 18+ years old
Application deadline: 30th April; position start date 5th June 2023
About the programme:
Internships at CCMI provide an exciting opportunity for early career scientists and educators to gain real life experiences in marine science education, communications, research, and field station operations. We maintain active field research and education programmes in the Cayman Islands supported by a team of scientists, educators, outreach and communications coordinators. Internships run 3-6 months and are based at the Little Cayman Research Centre.
BODA Charitable Star Trust Marine Ecology Course
For: Year 5 or Year 6 government primary classes (teacher/parent/ administrator applies on behalf of the class)
Application deadline: Friday, 29th September 2023; programme dates are 14-16 November or 21-23 November 2023
About the programme:
Since 2009, more than 1,000 primary school students across the Cayman Islands have participated in this immersive three-day, two-night field trip to Little Cayman. Course participants get a chance to live at the Little Cayman Research Centre and learn more about the oceans first-hand! During their stay, students enjoy a range of activities, including snorkelling, marine species identification, beach clean-ups, cultural field trips, a guided iguana tour, biking, and much more! CCMI chooses two classes from government schools each year to receive a full scholarship to attend this course (including flights).
Katie Ebanks, CCMI’s Education Manager, stresses the important role scholarships can play in supporting Caymanians who are passionate about the environment, “CCMI scholarship recipients in 2022 have continued building on their experiences with CCMI. To date, two students have received scholarships from the CIG Ministry of Educations Scholarship Secretariat Office for overseas scholarships to attend Universities abroad, one student is currently working for the Marine Research Unit at the CIG Department of Environment, one student has been awarded a scholarship to attend a marine science specialty secondary school in the UK, and one completed a divemaster internship with DiveTech and is now our current Ocean Science Scholars – Marine Education Intern. Our team loves to be a part of helping train and support Caymanians as they pursue careers in this field.”
For more information about CCMI and the education programmes available at the Little Cayman Research Centre, visit www.reefresearch.org.
