Stephenson Exploration Advancement Program Grant

About this scholarship

The Stephenson Exploration Advancement Program Grant provides $10,000 for marine exploration, field research, and conservation projects that expand knowledge and make a tangible difference for ocean ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. The Philip Stephenson Foundation and The Explorers Club created the program for hands-on researchers and conservationists who connect exploration with stewardship. College undergraduates, graduate students, and independent explorers may apply, and the Club’s current central criteria specify that applicants must be under age 35. The proposed fieldwork must focus specifically on marine research, exploration, protection, or conservation. Competitive projects may study species, habitats, reefs, coastal systems, fisheries, pollution, climate impacts, underwater archaeology, community-led conservation, or other marine questions, provided they use a rigorous plan and produce meaningful knowledge or conservation outcomes. Applicants should explain the research or conservation objective, field location, methods, schedule, team roles, permits, ethics, safety, community relationships, budget, and intended dissemination or impact. Two written recommendations are required under the Club’s general grant rules. The embedded official form provides the current application route; projects consisting only of travel or adventure without a substantive marine objective do not fit the program. Applications for work in the 2027 field season are open now and must be submitted by October 2, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Eastern.

Eligibility

• Be a college undergraduate, graduate student, or independent explorer
• Be under age 35 under the Explorers Club’s current grant criteria
• Propose fieldwork focused specifically on marine research, exploration, protection, or conservation
• Show how the project will add knowledge or create tangible conservation value
• Provide a rigorous objective, field methods, location, schedule, and budget
• Explain team qualifications and relationships with affected communities or partners
• Address applicable permits, ethics, safety, and environmental responsibility
• Provide two written recommendations
• Submit the embedded application by October 2, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Eastern