Darwin Plus is funding 14 scholarships for local students to attend October half-term Caribbean Marine Ecology Camp

Funded by the UK government through Darwin Plus, 14 Caymanian students will be selected to participate in the Central Caribbean Marine Institute’s (CCMI’s) week-long Caribbean Marine Ecology Camp (CMEC) during the October half-term. During the CMEC, students focus on tropical marine ecology and conservation. Learning from CCMI scientists & educators, no two days are the same as campers dive, snorkel, and explore a pristine reef system. Students will stay at the Little Cayman Research Centre, a remote field station, and learn first-hand about CCMI's cutting-edge research. They gain a certificate of completion for attending the CMEC to add to their CVs as well as a real insight into the industry. The programme also includes fun activities of a camp with beach games, kayaking, beach bonfires, and exploring Little Cayman’s environment. This programme will help CCMI support young Caymanian students by instilling a passion for protecting marine biodiversity in the Cayman Islands.   

Discover, learn, and make memories that last a lifetime – apply today for the ultimate marine journey!

WHO: 

Applicant Requirements: 

• Caymanian 
• Between the ages of 14-17 
• Interest in marine science

HOW TO APPLY: Complete CCMI’s application form (https://tinyurl.com/CMEC-10230)  and send to education@reefresearch.org by 5:00 pm Friday 29th September 2023

WHEN: Applications due: 5:00 pm Friday, 29th September 2023

Seven-day residential CMEC at the Little Cayman Research Centre:  Sunday 22nd October – Saturday 28th October 2023.

WHERE: CMEC takes place at the Little Cayman Research Centre, Little Cayman

LINKS: 

About the Caribbean Marine Ecology Camp (CMEC): https://tinyurl.com/CCMI-CMEC 

Application form (fillable PDF): https://tinyurl.com/CMEC-1023

TESTIMONIALS FROM SUMMER 2023 ATTENDEES:

“It was an exciting and informative trip that I suggest every young person take. The least polluted reefs I have seen and the huge creatures that I usually don’t get to see. The staff was very informative and understanding and was very happy to talk about their jobs.” 

Danica Birriel, USA

“It was fun and inspiring; it made me excited for my future as a marine biologist and the staff were super helpful and willing to answer questions, as well as being fun and cool.”

Kaitlyn Cumings, Cayman Islands

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The Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1998 to protect the future of coral reefs, envisioning a world with vibrant oceans and healthy coral reef ecosystems. CCMI maintains a growing marine research and education facility with a resident team of staff based in Little Cayman in the Cayman Islands. CCMI is a US 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (ID# 22-3609293). CCMI is also a UK charity (#1104009) and Cayman Islands nonprofit (NP-03) with satellite offices in both the United Kingdom and on Grand Cayman. To deliver our mission, we also have a range of outstanding international partnerships and collaborators, all with a clear, simplistic goal to protect oceans for the future.

CCMI has a Candid (formerly GuideStar) Platinum Seal of Transparency.

NOTE: All photos are courtesy of CMI They are from past CMEC courses.