LOS ANGELES BLACK UNDERWATER EXPLORERS

SCUBA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

PURPOSE: In agreement with and support of LABUE’s Mission to Expand the Knowledge and Enjoyment of SCUBA Diving in our community, LABUE awards Discover Scuba Program and Open Water I SCUBA Certification Scholarships. The SCUBA certification scholarships (Charles Heath Memorial Scholarship and Artie Williams Memorial Scholarship) are named for two long time club members who exemplified consistent dedication and support of LABUE, and love of the sport of SCUBA Diving.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS:
Discover Scuba - Up to ten (10) LABUE Discover Scuba Program Scholarships may be awarded each year in the form of refund of the paid Discover Scuba fee upon participation and completion of a scheduled LABUE Discover SCUBA class.
Open Water I SCUBA Certification – Up to two (2) Open Water I SCUBA Certification Scholarships may be awarded each year in the form of reimbursement of costs, up to $400, for successful completion of a recognized Open Water I SCUBA certification course offered by any qualified dive shop or SCUBA instructor. The scholarships also include a one year LABUE membership.

AWARD ELIGIBILITY: Those eligible for the Discover Scuba Program scholarships include selected members of the general public as determined by the LABUE Board of Directors. This may include individuals as well as members of organizations including schools, scouting programs, sports clubs, fraternal organization, professional organizations, social organizations, etc.. Those eligible to apply for the Open Water I Certification scholarships include paid LABUE Members who are not SCUBA certified; and family members of paid LABUE Members (including spouses, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, aunts and uncles). Members of the general public who have completed any recent or past LABUE Discover Scuba Program are also eligible.

AWARD REQUIREMENTS: Requirements for award of the Discover Scuba Program Scholarships will be determined by the LABUE Board of Directors. Applicants for the Open Water I Certification Scholarships must have completed their Open Water I certification during the same calendar year in which the Scholarship is awarded and they must demonstrate willingness to support LABUE’s mission and club, programs, events, and activities as evidenced by any of the following:

• Active attendance/participation in LABUE meetings, programs, events, and activities

• Active participation as a member of a LABUE committee

• Contribution of photos, articles, graphics, and other information to the LABUE News newsletter, LABUE website, LABUE Facebook page, LABUE Blog, or other media.
• Preparation of research paper or school project on topics related to SCUBA diving or other related marine topics including biology, marine ecology, marine technology; or historical topics related to diving such as WWII wreck dive sites or the search for sunken slave ships.

Applications for the Open Water I SCUBA Certification Scholarships shall be submitted by November 1st of each year.

SELECTION: Award of Discover Scuba Program scholarships will be determined by the LABUE Board of Directors in advance of each scheduled Discover Scuba Program date. Review of Award Eligibility, compliance with Award Requirements for each Open Water I SCUBA Certification scholarship applicant, and award selection will be made by the LABUE Board of Directors before the date of the December LABUE General Membership Meeting each year.