Michael C. Orlando New and Continuing Diver Education Scholarship
Guidelines
The primary purpose of the Michael C. Orlando New and Continuing Diver Education Scholarship is to introduce the sport of SCUBA to people who may otherwise be limited to accessing this opportunity, and to help those who are already certified to meet their goals of becoming more skilled and safer divers. Our goal is to offer a life-changing experience while fostering a conservation-minded ocean ambassador. Listed below are required qualifications that must be met for each time of scholarship.
The deadline for application submission is December 31 of each year.
New Diver Scholarship:
● You must be a resident and reside in the Antelope Valley area (i.e. Lancaster, Palmdale, Acton, Quartz Hill, etc.).
● You must at least 12 years of age.
● Scholarship amount is up to $500.00 (AVDD Board reserves the right to adjust the final amount of scholarship, the AVDD Board’s decision is final). Scholarship money must be used for cost of Open Water class and books.
● Application and essay must be completed, signed, and submitted by deadline date.
● Once scholarship is awarded, you will have 30 days to register for an Open Water Class and the class must be completed within one year, if not forfeiture of scholarship is possible.
● Award of scholarships is at the discretion of the AVDD Board.
· A one-year single AVDD club membership will be given to the New Diver scholarship winner after he or she successfully completes the Open Water Class and the verification of completion is submitted.
Continuing Education Scholarship:
● You must have a minimum of an Open Water certification. (attach copy)
● You must be a current and active member in “Good Standing” of Antelope Valley Desert Divers club.
● The application and essay must be completed, signed, and submitted by the deadline date.
● The amount of this scholarship is up to $500.00. (AVDD Board reserves the right to adjust final amount of scholarship, the AVDD Board’s decision is final).
● Once the scholarship is awarded, you will have 30 days to register for the dive certification course that you requested and the class must be completed within one year, if not forfeiture of the scholarship is possible.
● Award of scholarships is at the discretion of the AVDD Board.
This Year’s Recipient: Shamus Hill
Congratulations Shamus on earning the Michael C. Orlando’s New Diver Scholarship. We are so excited to start diving with you. AVDD will pay the way for Shamus to earn his Open Water SCUBA certification, which he can use to participate in club dives and explore our beautiful ocean.
About Michael C. Orlando