The CELP Scholar Program - Community, Equity, Learning, Persistence
The Aquarium’s CELP Scholar Program seeks to broaden participation in marine sciences, help more students find their own community in STEM, and support students’ persistence in the field.
Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific / Andrew Reitsma
2025 Applications Available October 11, 2024
Informed by the successes and alumni of the African American Scholar Program.
Focusing on a regional effort of recruitment.
Prioritizing community college and undergraduate applicants.
Providing financial investment, engagement, networking, and membership in a growing community.
Addressing the complex environmental challenges facing our planet requires participation from a wide range of lived experiences. The Aquarium’s CELP Scholar Program seeks to broaden participation in marine sciences, help more students find their own community in STEM, and support students’ persistence in the field.
Eligible students are:
- Enrolled in a community college, undergraduate, masters, or PhD program in Southern California through at least December 2025.
- Studying any STEM field related to ocean and coastal environments, marine conservation, or informal science education. Majors may include life science, biology, marine science, oceanography, environmental science, and others.
- Able to complete a W9 or W8 to the Aquarium for award processing.
Students who identify as a member of groups that have been historically underrepresented in STEM, marine science, and conservation fields are strongly encouraged to apply. Similarly, students who have experienced and worked to overcome educational or economic inequity and/or have personal or family circumstances that may complicate their continued progress in science careers are also encouraged to apply.
The Aquarium believes everyone is welcome in the work we do and strives to cultivate a workforce that reflects the diverse communities in which it is situated. Applicants of any race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status are welcome.
Application Timeline:
To apply, applicants must register an account via the application portal and submit the required materials prior to 11:59PM on the deadline.
| Date: | Milestone |
|---|---|
| October 11, 2024 | Application Opens |
| November 4, 2024 | Informational Webinar |
| December 1, 2024 | Deadline for Application Submission |
| February 12-14, 2025 | Scholars Notified |
| March 15, 2025 | Public Announcement of 2025 Cohort of CELP Scholars |
CELP Scholars will receive:
- Personalized interactions with Aquarium staff and programs to explore interests and career paths. Community building opportunities, both online and in-person, to connect with other scholars
- “CELP Board” - An e-newsletter including job postings, internships, scholar updates, and invitations to Aquarium events.
- Scheduled professional development webinars available for live participation and recorded for on-demand viewing.
- A financial award of $10,000.
CELP Scholars commit to the following in their first year:
- Participate in quarterly virtual check-in meetings.
- Explore Aquarium initiatives and roles of interest to their individual professional development needs or career goals.
- Present a 5-minute “Lightning Talk” as part of the Scholar Symposium at the Aquarium.
- Attend at least one additional in-person event.
Application Information
- Aquarium of the Pacific paid employees, Board members, and their immediate families are not eligible. Volunteers and their immediate families are eligible to apply.
- Award recipients will be selected in part by a committee of Aquarium staff members and community partners.
- Awards of $10,000 will be paid out in two incremental installments. Additional details will be communicated during the time of award notification.
- Recipients and their families are invited to the public announcement event at the Aquarium on March 15, 2025.
- Recipients are asked to provide a headshot and a short video for announcement materials. Additional details will be communicated during the time of award notification.
- Recipients are asked to be available September 27, 2025, for the Aquarium’s Scholar Symposium. The in-person event is an opportunity to network and connect as a community.
- If you have questions regarding the application or eligibility requirements, please email CELPScholars@LBAOP.ORG.