Take the plunge with PADI Dive to Adventure scholarships

Scuba diving is a serious adventure. It’s the kind of thing that gives you a thrill just hearing about it, even if you’ve never done it before.

And for a lot of Scouts, that’s the case. Many haven’t had the chance to try scuba yet. Why not? Two big reasons usually come up: cost and fear.

That’s where the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) comes in. With its top-tier training programs and scholarship opportunities for Scouts, PADI helps young people overcome both challenges.

What are the PADI Dive to Adventure scholarships?

The PADI is the world’s leading scuba training organization (and longtime partner of Scouting America).

PADI provides a multilevel scholarship program that aims to introduce more Scouts to the excitement of scuba diving.

As the PADI scholarship application puts it, “Adventure is one of the key elements of Scouting, and scuba diving is an exciting avocation or vocation that can be enjoyed in just about every part of the country.”

Who can apply for the scholarships?

PADI offers different scholarships for Scouts who meet different qualifications. All applicants should be members of a Scouts BSA troop, Venturing crew or Sea Scout ship.

Here’s what’s required at each tier of scholarship:

• Level 1 and 2 (individual courses): Open to registered Scouts (with parent or guardian approval if younger than 18). Level 2 applicants must already have a PADI Open Water Diver or higher certification.

• Level 3 (unit course): Open to entire units with up to eight members each.

• Level 4 (divemaster): For Scouts 17 and older who hold a PADI Rescue Diver certification (or equivalent). Applicants must submit two recommendation letters and a short essay.

• Level 5 (instructor): For Scouts 17 and older with a PADI Divemaster certification (or equivalent). Applicants must submit recommendation letters and an essay on Scouting and diving goals.

All scholarships are awarded through a random drawing (or application review by PADI for levels 4 and 5 scholarships) and must be used within 12 months of the award.

How scuba and Scouting work together

Scuba diving has long been part of the Scouting program. And Scouting America already offers diving experiences that can be supported through PADI’s scholarships.

• Scuba BSA Award — A recognition program that teaches the fundamentals of scuba in a safe, controlled setting for Scouts and Venturers.

• Scuba Diving merit badge — A merit badge that requires real-world dives, mastery of diving safety and a greater knowledge of the sport.

• Sea Base scuba treks — This high-adventure base offers several adventures for units that scuba. They also offer one of the best scuba training facilities in the world for those who want to become certified as a PADI open-water diver

Together, these programs prepare Scouts for a lifetime of diving, whether as a hobby enjoyed on vacations or a calling that leads to a career in marine biology, public safety diving or professional instruction.

How to apply

Applications are open now until the end of the year. Encourage your interested Scouts to head to the PADI Dive to Adventure scholarship page to apply.