Scholarships
Scuba is for everybody.
CUES believes SCUBA is for everyone, and our scholarship program is at the heart of how we welcome new divers into our community. CUES scholarships are for folks who have been historically excluded from the sport and for those who demonstrate financial need — whether you have always wanted to dive or have only recently discovered SCUBA, our mission is to make it easier for you to experience the underwater world.
who Can apply?
CUES grants scholarships to anyone ages 10+ who self-identifies as AANHPI, Black, female or non-binary, having a physical disability or invisible disability, Indigenous, LGBTQIA+, Latino/e/a/x, low-income, Military, neurodivergent and/or another group historically excluded from SCUBA.
Open water diver
scholarships
We offer three levels of scholarship support for applicants interested in getting their NAUI Open Water Scuba Diver Certification, the first level of SCUBA certification. All scholarships include full rental gear (including personal gear) but do not include quarry entry ($50 for two days)
Discover dive scholarships
Want to try SCUBA before committing to a full certification course? A Discover Dive lets you test the waters in a 3-hour experience with our fantastic diving staff. Just bring yourself, a swimsuit, and a towel!
This scholarship applies to any offered Discover Dive experience. Discover Dive scholarships cover the full cost of the Discover Dive, including gear.
Photo by @DeepDownAFamily
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Eligible participants pay $0 and demonstrate both financial need and self-identify as part of a historically-excluded group.
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A partial scholarship covers 45% of the cost of an Open Water certification. Participants pay $300 and must self-identify as part of a historically excluded-group
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For those demonstrating financial need, eligible applicants may receive a 25% reduction in the cost of a certification ($406).
This scholarship applies to any offered
Open Water course. Looking for a scholarship to support a different course or SCUBA experience? Reach out to us at misison@divecues.org.
How to apply
Scholarships are awarded twice a year, with application deadlines on April 1 and October 1. Once a scholarship is awarded, applicants have one year to complete their certification or request an extension. Our scholarships apply to any offered Open Water course.
Please email your completed application to mission@divecues.org.
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to pursue my SCUBA certification through your scholarship & support. It feels like such a life-changing gift, and my heart is beyond grateful.
Now that I’m back in Playa del Carmen, I can’t stop smiling. Literally, my world just flipped in such an exciting perspective. This certification was such a journey for me. I loved every challenge (coming from a tropical land, the cold was a ninja test!) It all felt like a constant encouragement to stay present and stepping out of my comfort zone really left a mark on me.
So, thank you — truly, thank you — from the bottom of my heart. You’ve made something incredible happen for me, and I’ll carry this experience with me forever. And looking forward to all the aquatic paths ahead. “
—Adri, Open Water Scholarship student
support cues
CUES relies on donations and grants to do the work that we do — your contributions directly support our scholarship fund and allow new divers to experience the wonder of the underwater world and to build community and connections with other divers who strive for more equitable access to the sport of SCUBA.
