November 29, 2008
Our World-Underwater Scholarships (Dec. 31, 2008 deadline)
by Brenna Mahoney
tech diving in Egypt
In April 2007 I began a year long adventure to travel around the country and world to explore, work, learn, and dive. Each year, the Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society (OWUSS) gives out three scholarships to young divers – one each to divers of North America, Europe, and Australasia. As the 2007 North American OWUSS scholar I was provided with contacts, a stipend, and sponsors to enable me to explore my own interests in the underwater world as well as be trained and learn about new areas of diving. The purpose of this scholarship is to enable a young diver to explore. Each year is different as the activities are rarely set. It is the duty of the scholar to take charge of his/her year and to tailor it to their interest. There is help from the society’s board members, hosts, and sponsors. Typically a scholar will visit a person or place for a few days to a few weeks and become immersed in the work or become trained for a new level of diving. As a scientific diver, my focus was on marine conservation research and groups. However over the course of the year I worked toward my PADI divemaster, Open Water Instructor, DAN oxygen and emergency classes, as well as technical diving including nitrox, advanced nitrox, deco procedures, and a rebreather course. I also took a class in underwater videography and one in hyperbaric medicine. I traveled around the United States and went to Egypt, UK, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Canada, and the Bahamas. Our main sponsors include companies such as Divers Alert Network, DUI, Aqualung, Delta P, Fourth Element, Light and Motion, and many more. Sponsors are different based on the area. The main scholarship stipend comes from our primary sponsor, Rolex, so yes, you do get a nice submariner watch.
tagging a nautilus
on the Great Barrier Reef
The scholarship society was established in 1974 and has grown extensively over the years. Pervious scholars have gone into graduate school, started their own businesses, have become professional videographers and photographers, and also worked in archaeology and technology. I just started my first year as a PhD student at UC. Santa Cruz and plan to work towards marine conservation management efforts. I am honored to have been the 2007 scholar. The scholarship provided me with amazing resources and training as well as a chance to try out a few new things.
The scholarship is currently open to divers 21-26 years of age. Divers must have a rescue diver certification (or equivalent). They also must hold a bachelor’s degree (or will have one before the scholarship year starts) and have not completed a higher degree. Applications include essays and recommendations. Applications are due at the end of the year for the North American scholar.
at DAN offices
To learn more please visit here. Here you can learn more about the scholarship, the current scholars, read journals, and read about our sponsors. If you are qualified I highly encourage you to apply. This is one of the best kept secrets in the diving world and not many people apply every year. You are also welcome to email me if you have any questions.
Posted by Dida at November 29, 2008 12:07 PM
