The Scholarship

The goal of the Bridges Over Water program is to provide those who have aged out of foster care programs, kinship placement or adverse family scenarios in North America & the Caribbean with meaningful career opportunities within the maritime sector.

BOW will provide individualized support to its recipients including career counseling, funded education including travel and accommodation during training, logistical assistance, mentorship, job searching support, and leadership training, to recipients. This comprehensive support model will be the basis for long term career success, and act as a catalyst for meaningful personal development, and generational change.

There are four stages to the program, creating the four pillars of a strong bridge to success:

  • Individual Planning & Development

  • Education and Training

  • Mentorship

  • Interpersonal and Leadership Development

Our candidates will benefit from the experiences and resources of top maritime institutions, be personally mentored by industry leaders, and forward thinking future planning.

"The maritime sector is a world of infinite possibilities. Most importantly, its a space where the sky truly is the limit for those who work hard, and dream big."

Scholarship Eligibility

The Bridges Over Water Scholarship is available to young adults from the traditional foster care or kinship care system, or otherwise faced substantial adversity in their young life. We understand that not all those who faced adversity were in a traditional system, but our application process allows you to share your story.

The BOW Fund was created to provide unique opportunities to young adults with a desire to learn, grow and develop, who may not have that opportunity due to the circumstances which life handed them.

Additional Requirements
  • Aged 18 to 30 years of age

  • Medically fit to serve at sea

    • This is a minimum requirement to serve on a seagoing vessel and more information can be found here

  • No criminal record

    • Most vessels require a criminal record check, and past criminal history may have limiting factors upon travel

If you think you might qualify, but are unsure, please reach out at bridgesoverwater@oceangrown.co

Come see what is over the horizon.