Southern California college students pursuing a career in marine science are encouraged to apply to the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Community, Equity, Learning and Persistence (CELP) Scholar Program.
Those who are selected for the program will get to pursue potential STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) career paths by participating in development sessions, meeting professionals in areas of interest and preparing for the Aquarium’s 2025 Scholar Symposium.
In addition to exploring career possibilities and connecting with their science-savvy peers, program participants will receive $10,000 in two incremental installments. Further details about the $10,000 award will be communicated when students are notified of their program acceptance.
The Aquarium’s goal for the CELP Scholar Program is to increase participation in marine sciences, help students find community in STEM and uplift their efforts in the field. Program applications are due by Dec. 1.
“The program is designed to incorporate the Scholars into our Aquarium family,” said Jennie Dean, Aquarium of the Pacific vice president of education and conservation, in a public statement. “We grow together — Scholars get deep access to how our work functions, and the Aquarium benefits from their talents as the Scholars participate in our community-facing programs.”
on April 30, 2021. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)
The CELP Scholar Program is open to students enrolled in community college, undergraduate, masters or PhD programs in Southern California. Recipients for this enrollment period will be accepted into the second cohort of the program.
Students who identify as a member of historically underrepresented groups within STEM fields are heavily encouraged to apply, as the Aquarium pushes for a more inclusive workforce.
“I’m committed to increasing diversity and inclusion in the field of marine science…and to using this scholarship to further my studies and continue to advocate for positive change in the field,” said 2024 CELP Scholar Troy Wynne, in a public statement.
The second cohort CELP Scholars are on track to be notified on January 20, 2025 and publicly announced on March 15, 2025. Students must be enrolled through December 2025 and commit to be an active program participant to qualify.
The program application portal, as well as additional eligibility details, can be accessed at pacific.to/celp. The CELP program is supported by public donations; to make a donation to the program, visit pacific.to/celpfund.