If you are Bahamian student 15-18 years old, and are graduating from high school this summer, have completed your BGCSE examinations or have flexibility within your curriculum.... a fantastic once in a lifetime opportunity awaits you.
The Island School's Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholars (BESS) Award is available to highly motivated, outgoing students looking for a unique oppprtunity to learn about the Bahamian environment, in a hands-on way. The programme prepares students for college through a focused curriculum where students study environmental science, contribute to authentic research and develop leadership and social skills in an international setting.
- Experience Family Island life and get to know the Bahamas better.
- Develop an sense of independence, personal responsibility and strong leadership skills.
- Live in a sustainable manner with renewable energy systems.
- Participate in authentic research.
- Become SCUBA certified.
- Learn survival skills and learn to sea-kayak.
Up to 10 Partial and Full Scholarships available - Application Deadline March 1, 2010
BESS Award recipients will particpate in
- a 14-week course at the Island School in Cape Eleuthera during either the Spring or Fall semester - Courses of study include - Tropical Marine Ecology, Mathematics (Celestial Navigation), Environmental Art, History of the Bahamas, Literature of the Sea (see the Island School Website for details)
- a 6 month internship with a monthly stipend of $500 at a conservation minded organization in The Bahamas. During the internship, participants will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of real life conservation related projects.
It is expected that a recipent of the BESS award will pursue furthur studies at the College of The Bahamas or at another institute of higher learning.
Application process
Complete the BESS Application Form 2010.Please ensure that your application is complete and includes the following:
- The Personal Information section
- Essay Responses
- Teacher recommendation
- Personal Recommendation
- Transcript
- Copy of Passport/Certificate of Identity
- $40 application fee
Enclose all materials in a sealed envelope: drop off, mail or send by courier to:
The Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF), Caves Village, West Bay St. P.O. Box N-7776, Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas
Tuition Payment Schedule - Full and partial Scholarships available: The BESS programme is valued at $24,900 Selected recipeints of the award will be notified and are required to submit a signed enrollment form by June 1, 2010 along with a $500 committment. This non-refundable deposit is made in two payments - $250 due June 1, 2010 and $250 due August 1, 2010. These funds will be kept in an account for the student to cover the cost of books, laundry and incidentals. Parents/Guardians will be billed for any additional expenses incurred. Accounts must be settled before the commencement of the internship.
Additional expenses - Uniforms and gear as advised by the Island School upon acceptance.
Important Dates
March 1, 2010 - Application Deadline
For additional information please contact BREEF: Tel: (242)-327-9000, email: breef@breef.org
Find out about past BESS Scholars - Walcott Miller and Bradley Watson