Rolex Scholarships

For more than 35 years, the Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society has provided firsthand experiences in underwater-related disciplines to young people considering careers in the underwater world. Each year, a scholar is selected from North America, Europe, and Australasia to work with leaders in marine-related fields partaking in endeavors ranging from scientific expeditions, underwater research, field study, laboratory assignments, equipment testing and design, photographic instruction, and/or other specialized assignments. Scholars spend a year traveling extensively to gain exposure and get hands-on experiences in activities that will contribute to a well-rounded education.

Each Rolex Scholar is granted a coordinator who assists in organizing his or her itinerary. Breadth of experience is emphasized, but each program is tailored to meet each scholar’s background and interests. Itineraries may include time with specialists in such areas as biology, archaeology, dive industry-related operations, underwater photography, and conservation. Other areas of study may include:

• Hyperbaric Medicine
• Equipment Design and/or Manufacturing
• Education
• Dive Management
• Marine Expeditions
• Government/Policy
• Tourism
• Publishing
• Commercial and Research Diving
• Ecological Activism

The global underwater community views the Rolex Scholars as having the potential to make significant contributions to the underwater world even though they may not have yet chosen a specific career path. Exposure to a wide array of topics and work environments provides the scholars with a broad overview of the underwater world that will help guide career decisions.

Internships

North America

The society offers summer internships in North America for 1-3 month periods to college undergraduates and graduating seniors. Internship recipients receive a grant to help fund travel to/from site, room and board, and a stipend to cover living expenses. Our current North American internship sponsors include the REEF Environmental Education Foundation, American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS), National Park Service, and "Sport Diver" Magazine and Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Europe

The European Young Photographer Internship provides an opportunity for a promising young photographer to further develop skills and experience by working alongside an already accomplished underwater photographer. Sponsored by Rolex, this internship is awarded to the winning entrant at a competition held during the International Festival of Underwater Film in Marseilles, France.

For More Information Contact:
Roberta Flanders, Executive Administrator
execadmin@owuscholarship.org