National Maritime Sailtraining Scholarships are intended to encourage young Americans to consider entering into the maritime industry by way of further education at the collegiate level. Through the participation in organized sail training programs aboard qualifying Tall Ships America member vessels, students will be introduced to the various career paths one can take in the maritime field. Scholarships of up to $1,000 will be awarded to qualifying applicants based on criteria as established and amended by Tall Ships America.

Applicants must write an essay detailing their motivation to attend a Maritime Academy OR pursue an industry apprenticeship and elaborate on how this experience will help them achieve their goals. Applicants must provide documents that demonstrate their interest in a future attendance at a Maritime Academy or industry apprenticeship program, such as a copy of email to the Admissions Department of a Maritime Academy requesting application information or a copy of an email to a maritime industry employer regarding apprenticeship and employment opportunities. The sail training experience for which they are applying must be of at least one week’s duration and include at least six days at sea aboard a Tall Ships America member vessel. [gravityform id=”5″ title=”true” description=”true”]Applicants must be between 14 and 19 years old and physically fit for sea. NMSS grants are awarded on an equal-opportunity bases to candidates who meet the qualifying criteria. The NMSS grant program does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, creed, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation. Applicants may contact Tall Ships America for guidance in the application process. We are willing and able to help applicants find the right sail training program that works for them. The applicant should identify the sail training program of their choice at the time of application. Review Process Applications for the summer sailing season will be reviewed on a rolling basis by the Scholarship Review Committee and the awards will be announced within 14 days. Award Disbursement Requirements and Process: Within 6 months of notification of their award, awardees must: ·        Successfully complete the program, and provide a copy of a certificate of completion to Tall Ships America; ·        Provide to Tall Ships America a copy of an invoice or receipt showing program tuition paid; ·        Write a reflection essay describing their experience and its value to them, and provide this to Tall Ships America with full rights for its re-publication. ·        Scholarship payments will be made directly to the program/vessel upon successful completion