Women Divers Hall of Fame Scholarships and Training Grants Opening Soon
Offered by Women Divers Hall of Fame
About This Scholarship
The Women Divers Hall of Fame, a nonprofit honoring women's contributions to diving since 2000, funds one of the largest award programs in the underwater world: 19 categories of scholarships and training grants valued at more than $100,000 are available in the 2027 cycle. Academic scholarships cover fields such as marine conservation (undergraduate and graduate), oceans and human health, underwater archaeology through the Cecelia Connelly Memorial Scholarship, sea turtle conservation, and physiology research through the Laurel Clark Sea to Space grants.
Alongside the academic awards, WDHOF funds hands-on training grants — basic and advanced dive training, hardhat/commercial dive training through the Amelia Behrens-Furniss Memorial grant, and dive training grants for ROTC and military members. Six of the categories are reserved for women, while the remainder are open to women, men, and non-binary applicants, so this directory entry is primarily but not exclusively a women's program.
Applications for the 2027 awards open October 1, 2026 and close November 30, 2026. Each applicant may apply for exactly one scholarship or one training grant, and two letters of recommendation addressing your ability to complete the proposed training or project are required. Awards are announced in mid-February 2027.
Eligibility
- Varies by category: six scholarships/grants are for women only; the rest are open to women, men, and non-binary applicants
- Academic scholarships target students in marine science, conservation, archaeology, and related research fields
- Training grants fund dive training from basic certification through commercial/hardhat and instructor levels
- Applicants may apply for only ONE scholarship or ONE training grant per year
How To Apply
- Register on the WDHOF online application portal starting October 1, 2026 and complete the eligibility form
- Choose the single scholarship or training grant that best fits your studies or training plan
- Submit the application and ensure both letters of recommendation are in by the November 30, 2026 deadline; awards are announced in mid-February 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for several WDHOF awards at once?
No. WDHOF limits each applicant to one scholarship or one training grant per cycle, so pick the category that best matches your goals.
Are all the awards restricted to women?
No. Six categories are women-only, while the other categories are open to women, men, and non-binary applicants.
How much are the awards worth?
WDHOF does not publish a single award amount; the 19 categories together are valued at more than $100,000 for 2027, and individual awards vary by category.