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 this sport, 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-identify as Black, Indigenous, Asian-American, Pacific Islander, Latinx, LGBTQIA+, Military Member, low-income, living with a mental or physical disability, and/or another group historically excluded from SCUBA.
Open water diver
scholarship program
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)
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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).
Our scholarships apply 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 March 1st and September 1st. Once a scholarship is awarded, applicants have 1 year to complete their certification or request an extension. Our scholarships apply to any offered Open Water course.
Please download and complete the Scholarship Application below. Email your completed application to mission@divecues.org.
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.
