Aylesworth Scholarship Infographic Content

Logos: Aylesworth Scholars and Sea Grant Florida.

About

The Aylesworth Scholarship is a joint program of the Aylesworth Foundation for the Advancement of Marine Science, the Southeastern Fisheries Association (https://sfaonline.org), and the Florida Sea Grant College Program (https://flseagrant.org).

Aylesworth scholarships are available to students in all Florida universities that conduct research in the marine sciences. The scholarship is a career award that support recipients each semester until their education goals are met. The award is approximately $2,500 per semester, though the selection committee may adjust the award depending on the student’s need.

Ralph and Kitty Aylesworth, long-time members of the Florida fishing industry, established the Aylesworth Foundation for the Advancement of Marine Sciences in 1984. They created the foundation to make a long-term investment in the industry which has been so good to them and their family. The Aylesworths believed that scientific knowledge in the marine-related areas coupled with decisions based on environmental and conservation factors will prove to be the only way to develop, use and manage our renewable marine resources on a long-term basis.

Since 1984, Aylesworth scholars continue to contribute to the collective body of knowledge on marine and coastal issues and are located and working to make impacts all around the world.

Scholarship Eligibility & Selection

Eligibility Information:

This award is for students who are enrolled full time at a university or college in Florida interested in any academic discipline having direct application in ocean science, ranging from biology and engineering to economics and food science. It is intended to be a career award: once selected, a student may continue to receive the award each semester as long as satisfactory progress is made toward degree completion.

Financial need is a principal criterion.

Application Requirements:

Applications must be filled out at https://ufl.edu by creating an account and selecting the Aylesworth Scholarship. Complete applications include:

1. A completed online application, including:
   • Personal information about the applicant
   • Written statement of interest (200 words or less)
   • Written statement of career goals (200 words or less)
   • Written statement of financial need (500 words or less)
   • Family information
2. A current resume or CV (.pdf)
3. All unofficial undergraduate or graduate transcripts (.pdf)
4. Completed & signed “Financial Information Form” (.pdf)
5. 2 signed Letters of Recommendation, one of which should be from a faculty advisor who can provide a “Statement of Good Standing” in their letter (.pdf to be uploaded by the faculty into the portal)

Selection of Finalists:

All application materials will be organized by the Florida Sea Grant College Program for submittal to a Foundation-appointed screening committee. The committee reviews applications and recommends top applicants. Final decisions will be made by August, and all applicants will be notified of the decision by August.

Awards will be presented to students in payments at the beginning of the spring and fall semesters. New award recipients may be recognized each year during a public event.

Footer: Contact Cassie Sexton ([email protected]) to learn more.