College students studying journalism, creative writing, film or communications are encouraged to apply for the $3,000 BWI Active Interest Media Boating Journalist Scholarship.
The scholarship will be awarded to an undergraduate college student who demonstrates a passion for boating media and showcases a clear career goal in the areas of writing, photography, broadcasting or video production.
Earlier this year, Active Interest Media, a leading publisher of recreational boating magazines and websites (including Trade Only Today, Power & Motoryacht, Outboard, Soundings, Yachts International, Sail, Soundings Trade Only, Anglers Journal and Passagemaker) stepped up to the plate as the title sponsor of the annual scholarship fund
“Sponsoring the scholarship fits within our vision of attracting talented college graduates to enter the boating media as their profession,” said Gary DeSanctis, President of the AIM Marine Group. “We need a new crop to come up behind us that can meet the demands of the changing media landscape.”
Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate college or university program and submit an application by January 15.
Since its inception, the scholarship has honored one undergrad college student each year who has demonstrated a passion for the field of boating media. Winning the scholarship, however, does not just help students with their college costs, it also encourages them to seek a viable career path in the boating space.
“Winning the BWI scholarship was the first time I was formally recognized for my work as a marine journalist, and that was when it really became evident that this is something I could do as a career,” said Carly Sisson, the first recipient of the BWI scholarship. “I felt much more confident about entering this industry full-time after graduating with some credentials under my belt.”
Sisson, who was a student at the University of Vermont when she won, has remained in the boating space, and holds an editorial position at Power & Motoryacht and Soundings.
“This scholarship was founded to encourage more students to consider working in the boating industry,” said scholarship committee chair Robert Beringer. “Our industry needs new voices who understand the ever-changing media landscape. The scholarship helps make that happen.”
If you know a deserving college student who hopes to establish a career covering boating, please encourage them to apply. Judges will look for applicants with talent, promise and firsthand knowledge of the boating lifestyle.
All interested students are asked to download an application here or reach out to Beringer at [email protected].
Winners will be announced in a special virtual presentation in February.
