The late Governor Sunia is most remembered for being an eloquent and impassioned advocate for coral reef protection and management at the local level, not only in American Samoa, but throughout the U.S. The results of his efforts and dedication can be seen in the many accomplishments at the local, national, and global levels, making the late Governor a true world leader in coral reef protection. The second annual Governor Sunia Internship Award will be sponsored by the Department of the Interior (DOI) and is intended to continue the Governor's legacy by providing two outstanding college or university students the chance to develop professional coral reef management skills to be applied in their local jurisdiction.

This is a competitive award, in which two excellent students from Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Hawai'i, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands will be selected to receive a three-month, expenses-paid summer internship working on coral reef conservation and management issues with an agency/office of the Department of the Interior. The winners will start their internship in June 2005.

Eligibility

In order to be considered for this award, applicants must meet the
following minimum requirements:

+ Have an associate's degree in marine policy or science with emphasis
on coral reefs; OR be currently enrolled in and have successfully
completed the sophomore year of a four-year program in marine policy or science with emphasis on coral reefs;
+ Demonstrated interest in, and work on, coral reef issues; and
+ Be a legal resident of American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, or Hawai'i.

Application Selection Timetable:

Applications deadline: April 15, 2005, 5:00 PM, EDT

Award winner notified: April 22, 2005

Application Material

All applicants wishing to be considered for the Award should submit the following material:

+ Unofficial copies of all college and/or university transcripts
+ Resume
+ One letter of recommendation from a professor or relevant employer
+ A 750 word essay (maximum) on the importance of managing coral reefs in your island jurisdiction and nationally; and how this internship will benefit your career goals related to coral reef management in your island.

Application material may be sent by mail, fax, or email and must be
received no later than April 15, 2005, 5:00 PM EDT, to the following:

USCRTF Governor Sunia Award
c/o Shane Guan
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Fisheries & Habitat Conservation Program
Arlington Square, Suite 840G
4401 N. Fairfax Drive
Arlington, VA 22203

Email: Shane_Guan@fws.gov

Phone: 703-358-2457
Fax: 703-358-2487

For more information contact Shane Guan at the above address