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Diversity Scholarship

NAUI Diversity Scholarship

At its core, the NAUI Diversity Scholarship is designed to identify and support emerging leaders within the diving community who show extraordinary promise and a deep commitment to advancing NAUI’s global mission. Our aim is to empower these talented individuals by providing them with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to excel and make a lasting impact in the diving world.

Applications for the NAUI Diversity Scholarship which will be offered to divers worldwide who identify with underrepresented groups in diving or live in regions with limited NAUI presence to earn their NAUI Instructor Certification.

Recognizing the importance of a diverse and global perspective, our scholarship program strives to extend NAUI’s influence across different geographical regions. By embracing candidates from varied backgrounds and regions, we enrich our community with a plethora of viewpoints and experiences, thereby enhancing our global network and connecting with untapped markets. This initiative allows us to connect with new audiences and bring more people into our ever-expanding family.

Cultivating Future Leaders

The journey of a scholarship recipient does not end with the award; it is just the beginning. Our program serves as a launching pad for developing future leaders within the diving industry. We take pride in showcasing the success stories of past recipients who have gone on to make significant contributions to the diving community. Their achievements not only contribute to the advancement of diving practices but also solidify NAUI’s reputation as a frontrunner in the industry. 

NAUI Sources Blog

Strengthening our Brand Through Core Values

The Diversity Scholarship is a reflection of NAUI’s core values. It underscores our dedication to fostering leadership development and promoting innovation in diving education and practice. By investing in the growth of diverse talents, we are not just building a stronger community but also reinforcing our commitment to being at the forefront of the diving world.

Enhancing Community Engagement

A key aspect of the scholarship program is its ability to foster engagement and collaboration within the diving community. Recipients develop and continue to grow the tangible positive impact of their initiatives on local diving environments. These projects not only contribute to the well-being of these communities but also enhance NAUI’s standing as a responsible and socially conscious organization.

Who Should Consider Applying for this Scholarship?

  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg Those from underrepresented groups in diving, based on personal background, as demonstrated by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, educational experience, socioeconomic background, cultural heritage, race and ethnicity, gender, and geographic origin. This program aims to increase diversity in all realms, including growing the geographic presence of NAUI globally.
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg Divemasters or equivalent dive leaders from any training agency looking to become a NAUI Instructor. Instructor crossover candidates are not eligible. Candidates without a NAUI Divemaster certification should demonstrate a clear motivation to become a NAUI Member and explain how they exemplify the Association’s values and plan to contribute to its growth.
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg Those who have a distinct interest in supporting their communities through engagement and development in aquatic activities, especially scuba diving, and have a track record of community engagement related to diversity or underrepresented communities.

What does this entail?

  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg The Diversity Committee Chair and Scholarship Advisory Committee will select winners based on candidate application. See below for application details and requirements.
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg NAUI will provide reimbursement up to USD $2500 for direct expenses related to the instructor course.
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg Applicants must identify a NAUI Affiliate and/or Course Director they’d like to complete their training with. If an applicant is located in an area where this may be challenging, the Diversity Committee will support the scholar through this process of identifying a training provider. Contact gro.s1732173970eetti1732173970mmoc.1732173970iuan@1732173970ytisr1732173970evid1732173970 for assistance or questions.

Application Requirements

  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg Submission of certification prerequisites showing qualification to participate in a NAUI Instructor Training Course, as outlined in the Standards & Policies manual. Candidates with 1 year or more of experience as a Divemaster are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg NAUI Assistant Instructor or Divemaster, or equivalent from another training agency
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg Nitrox certification
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg Current Diving First Aid for Professional Divers, or equivalent
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg 60 logged dives for total of 30 hours of bottom time to enroll; 100 dives to graduate
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg 6 months diving experience
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg Identify as a member of a traditionally underrepresented group in your current geographic location. Clear identification of how you meet these criteria as well as how prevalent NAUI is in your area will both be considered.
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg Short Answers to each of the following questions:
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg Personal Mission Statement. What is your personal mission and how will becoming a NAUI Instructor further it? How will this create diversity in diving and the NAUI Community? What do you hope to accomplish by becoming a NAUI Instructor? (500 words)
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg Why NAUI? How will becoming a NAUI Instructor further your goals? Why is our training agency a good fit for you? (400 words)
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg Diving Resume. May include information such as relevant work history, certifications with dates and locations, specialized dive environment experience, lifetime total number and duration of dives, awards, etc.
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg Outlined budget detailing use of funds for NAUI Instructor Training Course - Reimbursement up to USD $2500
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg Potential expenses include tuition, course materials, travel and accommodation.
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg Identify the NAUI Affiliate or Course Director you plan to work with and confirm you have spoken to them about your intent to apply for this scholarship.
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg 3 Minute Video highlighting you, the candidate
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg Videos should introduce you, include highlights from your diving career, and demonstrate your connection to community and/or conservation by answering the following questions:
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg Experience in Aquatics. If you have aquatics experience besides recreational diving (i.e. lifeguarding, free diving, public safety, citizen science), share this with us.
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg Diversity in Aquatics. Be proud of your work in promoting diversity in aquatics or within the community; tell us about it. What communities do you represent and how will you increase the diversity of NAUI?
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg Community Organizing & Engagement. How are you involved in your current community? How do your current diving activities embody NAUI’s Core Values of Conservation and Community?
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg Voiceovers are acceptable, but you should be on screen for a portion of the video. We want to see you and how you will be an ambassador for NAUI.
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg Try to include different information than what is included in the written short answer questions.
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg Two Letters of Recommendation
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg Candidates are encouraged to submit one Letter of Recommendation that speaks to the candidate's diving background and readiness to enter a NAUI Instructor Training Course.
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg Letters should be submitted by the recommender directly to gro.i1732173970uan@p1732173970ihsra1732173970lohcs1732173970
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg Applicants may be asked to interview with the selection committee via teleconference.

During Training & Follow-up

  • Awarded scholars will be asked to:
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg Provide documentation of the NAUI Instructor Training Course through images, videos, written updates via this link or send them via email to gro.i1732173970uan@l1732173970aicoS1732173970. This ensures all content gets sent directly to NAUI HQ Marketing Staff.
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg Complete a Blog Post for inclusion in NAUI media outlets, i.e. social media, bulletins, Sources, etc.
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg Commit to teaching three NAUI courses within the first year of certification as a NAUI Instructor. Scholars are encouraged to teach at least one entry level course and at least one continuing education course.
  • Double Alt Arrow Right-svg Serve on the NAUI Diversity or Scholarship Committee the year following the scholarship award.

How To Apply

All applications materials must be via email to  gro.1732173970iuan@1732173970pihsr1732173970alohc1732173970s1732173970 by midnight EST December 31.

Application materials can be submitted in any language.

All applicants will receive confirmation of materials received. All applicants will receive award notification no later than April 30.

Donate Today

This scholarship is funded in part by donors like you. To make a one time or recurring donation. NAUI Members can also make a donation as part of their annual renewal.

Donate Now

Application Reviewers

Each application is reviewed by multiple NAUI Members. If you are interested in serving as a volunteer reviewer, please submit 200 words or less stating your interest and qualifications to  gro.1732173970iuan@1732173970pihsr1732173970alohc1732173970s1732173970 . Reviewers are selected on an annual basis as application volume requires.