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Foundation for the Seaports of the Americas Scholarship

The Foundation for the Seaports of the Americas scholarship gives assistance to undergraduate students pursuing maritime‑related education who are nominated by AAPA member ports. Each scholarship provides $5,000 toward tuition or registration at an accredited institution or training program, with awards tied to available Foundation resources ($5,000 for every $50,000 in minimum Foundation balance). 

Join other ports in sustaining and expanding the mission of the Foundation for Seaports of the Americas by donating now.

  • Apply: The application portal is in Submittable and is open now. Applicants must create an account in Submittable by providing an email address and setting up a password.
  • Deadline: June 26, 2026 (awards announced August 2026).
  • Eligibility: Undergraduate students in maritime-related academic or workforce programs (including technical/vocational training, certificates, or registered apprenticeships) that support the ports industry. Students can include children of port employees or interns. Port employees are not eligible.
  • Fields of study:  Eligible study areas are those that prepare students for careers supporting the ports industry, such as maritime, transportation, logistics, supply chain, trade, engineering, information technology, environmental fields, security, and skilled trades.
  • Nomination required: A student must be nominated by an AAPA member port; each member port may nominate only one applicant in this cycle.
  • Support the program: Help grow scholarship capacity by donating.
The online application requests the following information:
  • Applicant's Full Name
  • Email
  • Phone
  • Mailing Address
  • Nominating AAPA Member Port (port name, port representative name, title, email and phone)
  • Current Institution/Training Provider
  • Program Type (academic degree, technical/vocational, certificate, workforce training, registered apprenticeship)
  • Field of Study/Training Area
  • Current Enrollment Status
  • Expected Completion Date
  • Academic Standing (Attach transcript, enrollment verification, letter from school, certification progress report or other)
  • 500-750 word Essay (Addresses the student's educational or training goals, how their program relates to ports, maritime transportation, logistics, supply chain, trade, or skilled trades; and how the scholarship will support their education or training and career pathway. Higher ratings will be awarded for an essay with 1) a well-defined career plan, with the student clearly identifying a specific sector (e.g., logistics, mechanics, or engineering) they plan to pursue; and 2) a compelling and genuine narrative that is highly tailored to the maritime field and reflects distinctive personal insights.)
  • Use of Scholarship Funds (Briefly describe how the scholarship would be used (e.g., tuition, registration fees, required training or certifications).
  • Resume
  • Two recommendation letters (one from nominating port leadership)

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