Two slots open for DC scholarship program

Two students from the Northern Mariana Islands have a chance to be selected to receive a two-month, expenses-paid summer scholarship working on coral reef management initiatives with an agency member of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force in Washington, D.C.

The 6th Annual Governor Tauese P.F. Sunia Memorial Coral Reef Conservation Summer Scholarship Award provides students a unique opportunity to gain valuable, professionally formative experience in coral reef conservation policy and management while also contributing to the overall efforts of the hosting agency and the USCRTF.

This scholarship is now open for applications and students eligible to apply include not just those in the CNMI but also Guam, Hawaii, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or the Freely Associated States of Palau, the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia.

The scholarship program is in recognition of the late American Samoa governor’s outstanding leadership in and contribution to the conservation U.S. coral reef ecosystems.

The late Governor Sunia is most remembered for being an eloquent and impassioned advocate for coral reef protection and management at the local level, not only in American Samoa, but throughout the U.S. and the Pacific region. The results of his efforts and dedication can be seen in the many accomplishments at the local, national, and global levels, making the late governor a true world leader in coral reef protection. This award is intended to continue the governor’s legacy by providing an outstanding college or university student the chance to develop professional coral reef management skills to be applied in their local jurisdiction.

Since 2004, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Coral Reef Conservation Program and the Department of Interior’s Office of Insular Affairs and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have hosted Sunia scholars from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Republic of Palau.

In order to be considered for this award, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

– Be currently enrolled in an associate’s or bachelor’s degree program in marine policy or science with emphasis on coral reefs; and have completed a minimum of one academic year of study in that program.

– Have demonstrated interest and work on coral reef issues; and

– Be a legal resident of American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Hawaii, the Freely Associated States, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or Puerto Rico.

Applications received by: Feb. 27, 2009, 5pm

Award winner notified: March 20, 2009

All applicants wishing to be considered for the award should submit the following material:

– Unofficial copies of all college and/or university transcripts.

– Resume.

– One letter of recommendation from a professor or relevant employer.

– A 750 word essay (maximum) on the importance of managing coral reefs in your island jurisdiction and nationally; and how this internship will benefit your career goals related to coral reef management in your island.

Application material may be sent by mail, fax, or email and must be received no later than February 27, 2009, 5:00PM EST, to the following:

USCRTF Governor Sunia Award
c/o Sarah Bobbe
NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program
1305 East West Hwy, N/OCRM
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Email: sarah.bobbe@noaa.gov or sarah_bobbe@ios.doi.gov
Phone: 301-713-3155 ext. 174; or 202-208-1378
Fax: 301-713-4387