The 2026 Maritime Scholarship is Open to Applicants!
Deadline to apply has been extended to April 30, 2026.
MaritimeScholarship.com is pleased to announce the first-annual scholarship award to students at Pickford Public Schools. This scholarship is awarded as a reimbursement for the costs associated with obtaining a Transportation Worker Identification Credential, Merchant Mariner Credential, and Merchant Mariner Medical Certificate, up to $500.00.
APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE PICKFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Who Can Apply:
MaritimeScholarship.com is offering an award up to $500.00 to a Pickford Public Schools senior, or young adult from the Pickford Public Schools 2025 graduating class who are interested in a career aboard Great Lakes cargo ships.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must have graduated from Pickford Public Schools in 2025 or be on track for graduation from Pickford Public Schools in 2026 as determined by your school counselor. NOTE: Recent graduates from Pickford Public Schools are eligible and encouraged to apply!
- Must have attained age 18 by March 1, 2026.
- Must be able to answer “NO” to the following questions asked by the U.S. Coast Guard:
- Have you ever been a user of/or addicted to a dangerous drug, including marijuana, within the last 10 years?
- Have you ever been convicted of violating a dangerous drug law of the United States, District of Columbia, or any state, or territory of the United States?
- Have you ever been convicted by any court – including military court – for an offense other than a minor traffic violation?
- Have you ever been convicted of a traffic infraction arising in a connection with a fatal traffic accident, reckless driving or racing on a highway or operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of, or impaired by, alcohol or a controlled substance?
- Have you ever had your driver’s license revoked or suspended for refusing to submit to an alcohol or drug test?
- Have you had a drug test with a result other than negative within the last 10-years?
- Must not have a criminal background which prevents entry into Canada (DUI offenses are the most common barrier to entry).
Career Aspirations & Essay Requirement
Applicants for the scholarship should have a serious interest in a career working for major cargo carriers on the Great Lakes in any of the Deck, Engineering or Galley Departments. In addition, two character references must be submitted with an essay that meets the requirements posted below.
Essay Requirements
- Describe what you knew about careers on Great Lakes cargo ships (if anything) before you learned about this scholarship.
- Conduct research about careers on the Great Lakes. Describe what you learned, discussing what you found surprising and what was interesting to you.
- Discuss which career path you find most interesting.
- Describe what you think would be most challenging about the career path you found most interesting.
- Consider what you learned from your research about careers on the Great Lakes. What excites you the most? What would you look forward to doing the most on the job, and during your time off the ship?
- Cite three research sources that you used in completing your essay.
Letters of Reference
2 letters of reference, of which at least 1 must be written by an individual not associated with the applicants’ school, must be submitted with your scholarship application and essay.