The Marine Aquarium Societies of North America is a non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging the growth of the marine aquarium hobby and supporting those who participate. The MASNA Scholarship is awarded once a year, and only one scholarship is available. In 2011, MASNA received 85 applications from students in four different countries. The scholarship is awarded annually during the banquet held at MASNA's Marine Aquarium Conference of North America.
The annual MASNA Scholarship is awarded in the amount of $2,500. Of this $2,500, $1,000 is provided by the Marine Aquarium Societies of North America, and $1,500 is provided by pet supply company Doctors Foster and Smith. The award money must be used to defray the cost of tuition at an accredited college located anywhere on the North American continent.
To be eligible for the MASNA Scholarship you must first and foremost be active in the marine aquarium hobby. In addition, you must be pursuing a degree related to one of the marine sciences and have a grade point average of at least 2.5 on a scale of 4.0. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply, including graduating high school seniors who are preparing to enter their first year of college.
Applications for the scholarship are available on the MASNA website (masna.org). In addition to a completed application, you must also submit a current resume, a current college transcript and a personal statement of no more than 750 words describing your goals and achievements, with particular emphasis on your involvement in the world of marine aquarium enthusiasts. Your application packet must be received by MASNA before the annual application deadline of July 1.