Scholarship Program Extends Application Deadlines for Students Affected by Sandy

(Sandy Hook, NJ) — To accommodate students and schools displaced in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC) has extended the deadline for its Stew Tweed Fisheries and Aquaculture Scholarships. Applicants to the competitive scholarship program now have until Friday, April 12 to submit application materials.

The merit-based scholarship program, now in its sixth year, provides financial assistance to graduating high school students and undergraduate or graduate students who intend to pursue studies or a career in the fields of fisheries and/or aquaculture. The scholarship amounts, which were increased last fall, award $1,500 to a graduating high school senior and $2,000 to an undergraduate or graduate student who demonstrates an interest in and commitment to research and/or applied research topics in fisheries and aquaculture.

“In light of the difficulties experienced by many Shore-based families and school communities last fall, we thought it appropriate to extend this gesture of goodwill. Although students who submit the application by the original deadline will be given priority, we will still consider outstanding applications meeting the amended April 12th cutoff date,” said Kim Kosko, the NJSGC’s director of communications.

The scholarship program was established in 2008 as a way to honor the contributions of Stew Tweed, a 27-year veteran of the then-New Jersey Sea Grant Marine Advisory Service. Tweed was instrumental in building bridges between the research community and shellfish growers in South Jersey, applying research results in the development of disease-resistant oysters to help rebuild the once decimated population in the 1990s. “A strong applicant to the scholarship program will demonstrate an understanding of the important issues faced by local and regional fisheries as well as those experienced in aquaculture,” Kosko added. Information about the scholarship, how to apply and application materials can be found at StewTweed.org.

The New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium is an affiliation of colleges, universities and other groups dedicated to advancing knowledge and stewardship of New Jersey’s marine and coastal environment. NJSGC meets its mission through its innovative research, education and outreach programs. For more information, visit NJSGC on the web at njseagrant.org or on social media at facebook.com/NJSeaGrant  and twitter.com/NJSeaGrant.