Education

Sailing is a unique experience, a life-changing opportunity and, for many, a lifestyle in and of itself. AYCF strongly believes that the opportunity to learn about the Bay and to be on the water in a sailboat and should be made available to as many in our community as possible. First-hand knowledge of the Chesapeake Bay leads to greater awareness of the Bay, important self-development, team-building, and an awareness of community. AYCF supports education programs throughout the mid-Chesapeake Bay area that encourage widespread participation through the incentive of scholarships.

APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP

Funding Guidelines
Scholarships for participation in maritime-related educational programs.

1. Individuals under the age of 18 interested in participating in maritime-related educational programs (i.e. sailing, boat-building, environmental) who can demonstrate need are eligible.
2. A letter of interest must accompany the application.
3. Scholarships can be full or partial.
4. Following evaluation of grant applications, an applicant will receive:

• A letter explaining why the application did not receive a grant, or
• A funding agreement that will specify the cooperation expected of the applicant in furnishing reports, photographs, appearances or testimonials with respect to his or her experience

Clinics.

1. Educational sailing clinics for individuals are eligible.
2. Clinics can be in preparation for racing, intensive sailing instruction, or instructor training.
3. Grants can be full or partial.
4. Other sources of support must be included in the application;
5. General overhead expenses are eligible for support under some circumstances;
6. Expenses related to increasing participation or improving program quality have priority; and
7. Projects and programs that are able to use AYCF support to leverage additional resources are given the highest priority.
8. Following evaluation of grant applications, an applicant will receive –

• A letter explaining why the application did not receive a grant, or
• A funding agreement that will specify the cooperation expected of the applicant in furnishing reports, photographs, appearances or testimonials with respect to his or her experience.

"The success of the Team Storm Trysail program for junior sailors has been beyond our expectations. Thank you for your support."
- Richard Neville, Treasurer, Storm Trysail Club, Chesapeake

Sue Mikulski with NextStep participants. Part of an international regatta that promotes excellence in competition for the top women sailors in the world, as well as those entering or moving up in the sport, the NextStep Outreach program is an effort to prepare young female sailors to move to the next level in racing competition.