Foundational Instruction for New SCUBA Scientists (FINSS) Scholarship Grant

Foundational Instruction for New SCUBA Scientists (FINSS) Scholarship Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: American Academy of Underwater Sciences
Amount: Up to US $1,500 in in-kind support
Last Updated: May 16, 2025

Summary

The Foundational Instruction for New SCUBA Scientists (FINSS) Scholarship supports individuals from underrepresented groups who wish to obtain their Open Water Scuba Certification. This initiative addresses financial barriers that often prevent access to necessary training, providing up to $1500 for course fees, gear rental, and related expenses. Recipients will also receive a one-year DAN Master Plan and AAUS student membership, fostering inclusivity in scientific diving and enhancing research capabilities.

Overview

The Foundation was organized for the support and promotion of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences by furthering the Academy's mission of facilitating the development of safe and productive scientific divers through education, research and the advancement of standards for scientific diving practices, certifications and operations. Foundational Instruction for New SCUBA Scientists (FINSS) Recreational scuba diving is a privileged sport. Training costs money, the gear is expensive, getting to dive sites adds up. Many researchers cannot participate in the scientific diving training that they need due to the fact that they simply cannot afford to get their Open Water Scuba Certification. This scholarship addresses that need. Who is this for? Those from underrepresented groups in diving Those who need to get a scientific diver certification for research, volunteer, or technical positions, but don’t have access to the prerequisite open water certification What does the scholarship provide? Payment to the dive shop/instructor of recipients choosing for an open water scuba course, gear rental for the course, processing fees, and personal mask, fins, and snorkel. Any grant money that is not used for the Open Water course due to the generosity of dive shops or instructors may be used to purchase additional dive equipment. One-year DAN Master Plan. 1 year AAUS student membership upon completion of their scientific diving course How much? $1500 total $900: Open Water Course $500: Gear $100: DAN Individual Membership and Master Plan

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Applicant Must:Identify as a member of a traditionally underrepresented group who, under normal circumstances, may not receive scuba diving instruction or would struggle due to financial barriers or other hardships.Be a current member of AAUS (student or full member). Be connected to an AAUS Organizational Member such as: Graduate students whose thesis/dissertation work involves diving. Undergraduate volunteers participating in research. Aquarium volunteers or employees who would like to include scientific diving in their job duties. Employee/volunteer/researcher for another type of institution (eg. NGO, consulting firm) who would like to include scientific diving in their job duties. You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member. You must be a current student or full member.