Applications for the 2024-2025 GUE NextGen Scholarship are open!

High Springs, FL— GUE’s NextGen Scholarship is a transformative opportunity designed to empower the next generation of divers. The scholarship provides a year of training and other benefits to a deserving diver passionate about pursuing further education, exploration, and conservation. Applications for the 2025 Scholarship are now open, offering a gateway to a year of new adventures and growth.

The NextGen Scholarship is made possible through GUE instructors’ generous donation of course spaces. This unique opportunity provides tuition-free GUE training for one year, covering most of GUE’s curriculum. Alongside this, scholarship recipients will receive a generous travel budget, dedicated support from a NextGen Mentor, and a brand-new set of diving gear from Halcyon. With these resources, recipients can undertake GUE training in their preferred locations and environments, fueling their passion for exploration and conservation. In return, scholars will document their journey through written and video documentation, sharing their experiences as NextGen Scholars. They will also be able to present their findings at the upcoming GUE conference.

In addition, the NextGen Scholarship program was recently expanded to include a Legacy Project, with a mission to support young divers who exemplify GUE’s values and desire for impact. Through individual review of every NextGen Scholarship application, a selection of each year’s deserving runners-up will also receive personalized support from GUE. The number of these individuals, called NextGen Trainees, is subject to the organization’s discretion, hence all passionate individuals are encouraged to apply.

To be eligible for the 2025 NextGen scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be between the ages of 21 and 30
• Hold an Advanced Open Water diver certification or equivalent
• Have a minimum of 20 dives
• Be medically fit for diving
• Be fluent in English
• GUE staff, GUE instructor candidates, GUE instructors, as well as employees of corporate sponsors and their families, are not eligible for the scholarship.

The 2025 NextGen Scholarship offers an array of benefits to support the recipient’s journey, including:

• Free GUE training for one year
• A $2,000 USD travel budget
• $3,000 USD worth of diving equipment from Halcyon
• GUE Platinum level membership for two years
• Free registration for one GUE conference, including socials, field trips, and a meet-and-greet with GUE leadership
• NextGen Scholarship Mentorship by a senior GUE instructor
• Support and advice from the growing community of past Scholars and Trainees in the NextGen Legacy Project
• Divers Alert Network (DAN) membership and diving accident insurance
• NextGen apparel and swag for GUE events and training
• GoPro camera to document a year as a NextGen Scholar

Applicants are required to submit the following as part of the application process:

• A completed online scholarship application form, including a 1,000-word essay
• A short “elevator speech” video (less than 2 minutes) highlighting their diving background, goals, and why they are an ideal candidate for the scholarship
• A character recommendation from an individual/community member in good standing who can attest to the applicant’s qualities and suitability for the scholarship

The application window closes on July 1st, and eligible divers are encouraged to submit their applications promptly.

The timeline for the 2025 NextGen Scholarship is as follows:

July 1: Online application closes at 23:59 GMT-12:00

Early September: 2025 NextGen Scholar is notified, and final eligibility is confirmed

Mid-September: Unsuccessful candidates are notified, and the 2025 NextGen Scholar is announced

November 1: Scholarship year begins

“The NextGen Scholarship represents our commitment to supporting the future of diving by providing exceptional training opportunities and resources,” said Dorota Czerny, Vice President of GUE. “We invite young divers passionate about exploration and conservation to apply for this life-changing scholarship.”

Join GUE in empowering the future of diving. For more information about the scholarship, please contact our marketing team at [email protected].