Aquarium of the Pacific Invites Southern California College Students to Apply To its CELP Scholar Program

September 29, 2025

September 29, 2025, Long Beach, CA-Students currently enrolled in community college, undergraduate, masters, or PhD programs in Southern California are invited to apply for the third cohort of the Aquarium of the Pacific's Community, Equity, Learning, and Persistence (CELP) Scholar Program. The program provides both individual networking opportunities and community building events for students studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields related to the ocean.

Applications are now open and are due by November 12, 2025. Recipients will each receive $10,000 and individual introductions to professionals in areas of interest. Throughout the year, CELP Scholars are invited to participate in Aquarium programs to explore career paths, engage in professional development sessions facilitated by alumni, join a growing community of scholars who gather online and in-person, receive a quarterly CELP Board e-newsletter, and prepare for the annual Scholar Symposium in Fall 2026.

"The scholars are an important part of the future of the field of marine science," said Jennie Dean, vice president of education and conservation. "They strengthen it, and they inspire others to see themselves in science, from their peers to our youngest learners at the Aquarium."

The Aquarium's CELP Scholar Program seeks to broaden participation in marine sciences, help more students find their own community in STEM, and support students' persistence in the field. With this program, the Aquarium looks to bring a greater variety of lived experiences to the challenge of ensuring a healthy and sustainable ocean for everyone. "Science can often feel overwhelming and isolating without a support system, but the CELP Scholar Program allowed me to be surrounded by scientists who look like me, share similar backgrounds, and are passionate about the same things," said Vivian Sieu, CELP Scholar Program alum.

The Aquarium plans to announce the third cohort of CELP Scholars in March 2026. To qualify, students must also be enrolled through December 2026 and commit to active participation in the program. For additional information about eligibility and the application process or to apply, please visit the CELP Scholars information webpage. Students who identify as a member of groups that have been historically underrepresented in STEM, marine science, and conservation fields are strongly encouraged to apply. Applicants of any race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, age, disability, or veteran status are welcome.

The CELP Scholar Program is supported by contributions. To make a donation to support this program, please visit the donation webpage.