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Three scholarship recipients stand smiling behind a fourth sitting and smiling recipient

Future Leaders Scholarship

High school

Applications are closed for 2026.

Program details

Equipping a new, more diverse generation of ocean conservation leaders for success in higher education.

The Future Leaders Scholarship is dedicated to supporting first-generation students who have a strong passion for the ocean. The endowed fund aims to provide financial assistance, mentorship, and support to young people to attend college. Higher education can provide valuable preparation toward successful careers in ocean conservation, marine biology, environmental science, and other related fields.

Scholarship recipients receive full tuition, including housing and books, to California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB) and four years of mentorship from Aquarium staff. Generous donor contributions and the George P. Shultz Endowment Fund provide essential funding for this program.

Past recipients

Scholarship recipient wearing a Monterey Bay Aquarium baseball cap and holding a sash and certificate for the Future Leaders Scholarship
Scholarship recipient wearing a Monterey Bay Aquarium baseball cap and holding a sash and certificate for the Future Leaders Scholarship
Scholarship recipient wearing a Monterey Bay Aquarium sash and holding a certificate for the Future Leaders Scholarship Award
A scholarship recipient sits while wearing a baseball cap and sash with Aquarium logos and her award plaque in her lap

Rylee Jue
Scholarship recipient 2023
Policy | Social science
Rylee graduated from Monterey High School. Since receiving the Future Leaders Scholarship, she’s spent time with our Conservation & Science team, which has solidified her career goals in policy. For Rylee, the Future Leaders Scholarship alleviates financial stress during her undergraduate studies, allowing her to focus on saving for law school. She hopes to focus on international law and work at the United Nations or the U.S. State Department.

Desiree Torres
Scholarship recipient 2023
Computer science
Desiree graduated from Marina High School and is currently studying computer science at CSUMB. The Future Leaders Scholarship has given her both a clear plan and financial security, easing the pressures of balancing college life. She particularly values the support she’s received from her Aquarium mentor. Desiree aspires to increase representation in the field of computer science and hopes to continue being a positive role model for her younger cousins.

Sofia Garcia-Loya
Scholarship recipient 2024
Mathematics
Sofia graduated from Alisal High School in Salinas and is studying mathematics. She knew she wanted to attend CSUMB, but was concerned she couldn’t because of the costs. The Schultz Scholarship allows Sofia to focus on her education without financial stress and to pursue her goal of becoming a mathematics professor.

Catrina Chavez
Scholarship recipient 2025
Marine biology
Catrina graduated from Paso Robles High School. She found her passion for marine biology while participating in the Aquarium’s Young Women in Science and Teen Conservation Leaders programs. After moving from the area, Catrina continued to drive more than two hours each way to continue volunteering at the Aquarium every other weekend. She's studying marine biology at CSUMB to “give the future generations the same pleasure we have from the ocean.”

Current requirements

  • Grade level: 12 or graduating high school senior
  • Eligible to graduate high school in Spring 2026
  • Eligible for federal financial aid
  • First-generation college student
  • Demonstrates a desire to engage in ocean conservation in their future career
  • Must attend California State University, Monterey Bay for undergraduate studies
  • Must be willing to commit to summer internships and other program obligations 

Important dates

Signing day

  • Friday, May 15, 2026

How to apply

Applications are closed for 2026.

For more information, please email teenprograms@mbayaq.org.

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