Calling all educators! Applications for the 2027 REEF Educator in the Field Fellowship open October 1, 2026. This is a chance for a formal or informal educator to gain hands-on experience with ocean citizen science, with expenses covered, on a REEF Field Survey Trip.
The Fellowship is a professional development opportunity that sends a qualified educator on a REEF Field Survey Trip to dive or snorkel alongside citizen scientist volunteers, learning to identify marine life and conducting fish population surveys for the Volunteer Fish Survey Project. Fellows build skills and experiences they can bring straight back to their students and audiences.
Where you’ll go: The 2027 Fellow will join the REEF Field Survey Trip to CoCo View in Roatán, Honduras, June 26 to July 3, 2027. REEF covers the full cost of the Field Survey Trip (per the inclusions listed on the trip page) and provides a travel reimbursement of up to $1,200 toward meals and airfare. Accommodations are shared, based on double occupancy.
What you’ll gain: Fellows learn fish identification, fish behavior and adaptations, coral reef ecology, and citizen science survey methods, and may be eligible for up to 2.5 units of graduate-level credit from the University of California San Diego. After the trip, Fellows join REEF’s Education Advisory Panel for a year and share their experience through the “Educator in the Field” newsletter feature, a presentation, and classroom lessons.
Who can apply: Any REEF member who is a teacher or educator actively engaged in an education program, such as a school, aquarium, science center, or environmental nonprofit, with a passion for marine conservation. REEF membership is free to join.
How to apply: Applications open October 1, 2026 and close January 1, 2027 at 5:00 pm Eastern. Find full eligibility details, expectations, and the application at www.REEF.org/educatorinfield. Questions? Email explorers@REEF.org.
Funding for the REEF Educator in the Field Fellowship is generously provided by CEDAM International, continuing the legacy of the Lloyd Bridges Scholarship.