Caroline Gibson Scholarship in Marine Studies
Academic Year 2023 – 2024
Inviting Applications September 1, 2023
ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP
In honor of Caroline Gibson’s enduring love and commitment to the Salish Sea, the Northwest Straits Foundation is pleased to invite applications for the Caroline Gibson Scholarship in Marine Studies. Scholarships support current college students pursuing academic studies in marine science, policy, education and management of the Salish Sea.
Three scholarships of $3,500 will be awarded to undergraduate or graduate students in the Salish Sea region of Washington and British Columbia. Applications are being accepted until October 1, 2023. Scholarship recipients will be announced on October 14, 2023.
During her career in the Northwest Straits, Caroline served as Director of the Northwest Straits Foundation, as Marine Program Manager at the Northwest Straits Commission, and as a member of the Jefferson Marine Resources Committee. Her spark and passion inspired others to not just talk about marine conservation, but to roll up their sleeves and do it!
Caroline Gibson worked tirelessly protecting and restoring the Salish Sea. One of her greatest contributions was raising attention to bull kelp and creating a monitoring network to greatly expand availability of data for its protection.
Caroline used her knowledge of the fishing industry and strong personal relationships to assist NOAA in driving an effort to engage commercial fishers in ways preventing lost derelict fishing gear. The candid conversations she fostered, and insights she gathered, led to improved fishing practices and reduced net loss. Caroline passed away in July, 2021 so we’re carrying on her work by supporting the next generation of marine conservationists.
ABOUT THE NORTHWEST STRAITS FOUNDATION
Our mission statement is to protect and restore the health of the marine ecosystem by promoting and implementing science-based restoration and stewardship, enhancing collaboration and attracting resources for the work of the Northwest Straits Initiative.
Since our founding in 2001, the Foundation has invested millions of dollars of public funds and private contributions in marine conservation, restoration and education across the seven-county region comprising the Northwest Straits of the Salish Sea.
The Caroline Gibson Scholarship is made possible by the generous support of her friends, family and donors like you. To learn more, please visit: http://www.nwstraitsfoundation.org
APPLICATION PROCESS
Please submit a completed application comprised of the essay questions and supporting details listed below:
1. Your name, mailing address, phone and email.
2. Education information: university attending; degree program and major; anticipated graduation; and, why you chose this school or program.
3. Tell us what makes you a good candidate for this scholarship.
a. Essay 1: What is the most important environmental issue facing the Salish Sea today?
(500 – 1000 words)
b. Essay 2: How do you hope to be involved in marine conservation as a result of your studies? (500 – 1000 words)
c. Essay 3: Please describe a marine or terrestrial conservation project you’ve been involved in and how it was successful. (250 – 500 words)
4. Please provide three references with at least one being academic. Include name, title,
address, email and phone.
Email your completed application to don@nwstraitsfoundation.org titled “Caroline Gibson Scholarship Application.”
You may email don@nwstraitsfoundation.org with questions about the scholarship application. Please allow one-to-two days for a response.
Thanks for sharing our commitment to a healthy and resilient Salish Sea!