The application deadline for Summer 2024 has closed. Please anticipate Summer 2025 information at the beginning of the year.
- For rising 9th-12th graders
- 2024 Dates: June 23 through July 19
- Program Cost: $2,750
The Residential Marine Science Class is an immersive 4-week academic class that introduces high school students to the field of marine science. The course gives students a better understanding and appreciation of the various disciplines in marine biology and oceanography.
Students live on campus and participate in more than 160 hours of supervised academic activities. Students take part in fieldwork, individual and group assignments, lectures, laboratory investigations, off-campus field trips, research projects, oral presentations, and written and practical examinations.
Topics introduced in the class include marine ecology, invertebrate zoology, marine vertebrates, plankton biology, barrier island ecology, marine geology, marine technology, ocean chemistry and physical oceanography.
This long-standing residential program accepts only 30 students. Admission is selective and based on a student’s interests, essay and academics. Students live in the Sea Lab dorms, meals are provided in the Sea Lab cafeteria, and students are supervised after hours by a team of residential counselors.
To apply to this course, please click on the application link above which includes directions and necessary forms. Questions about the course and application process can be sent to DHPsummer@disl.edu.
Course Credit
The Alabama State Department of Education has approved this marine science class for science elective credit. With prior approval by their school, Alabama public school system students may take the course as the third or fourth science class required for graduation. Students may elect to take this course for school science elective and/or college credit.
Out-of-state or private schools are encouraged to grant course credit toward a standard or advanced high school diploma for successful completion of the class.
Students may also choose to receive 1 undergraduate credit hour in biology from the University of West Alabama for successful completion (grade of C or above). Note that additional fees (registration, tuition) payable to UWA are required.
Scholarships
There are several scholarship opportunities for students interested in the Residential Marine Science Class. All scholarships provide full tuition, but the criteria for them vary. Please read each one carefully to determine whether you are eligible. Be sure to indicate your interest in one or more of these scholarships on your application form and to discuss your interest and eligibility in your application letter.
Jenny Cook Memorial Scholarship
Jenny Cook was an educator in Discovery Hall Programs for more than 30 years, and our programs would not be what they are today without her enthusiasm and skill in marine science education. Through the years, Jenny’s work at the Sea Lab reached hundreds of students and she found special joy in mentoring students.
Students who wish to be considered for this scholarship should include, in addition to the application materials, a brief (~2-3 min) video communicating their enthusiasm for the ocean environment and their goals in attending the program.
Jenny Cook Scholarship Video Submission Link
Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium Scholarship
Discovery Hall Programs is one of three education partners in the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium. This scholarship is available to students from Alabama or Mississippi who are interested in solving a coastal, marine or environmental science problem in coastal Alabama or Mississippi.
Students who wish to be considered for this scholarship should indicate their interest on the application form and describe the coastal problem in which they are interested in their application essay.
Quackenbush Research Scholarship
Dr Jeffrey Krause, a research scientist at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, is honoring his mentor and high school biology teacher, Mr. Russell Quackenbush, with a scholarship that provides an impactful experience for another student, replicating the impact Mr. Quackenbush had in his life. Dr. Krause’s research focuses on plankton and elemental cycling. This scholarship is supported by a National Science Foundation grant to Dr. Krause.
The student receiving this scholarship will work with Dr. Krause to focus their research project on a topic in the field of plankton ecology. Students who wish to be considered for the scholarship should indicate their interest on the application form and describe their interests in research in the field of marine science in their application essay.
Woman in STEM Scholarship
Women are still underrepresented in the engineering workforce. Through the generosity of an anonymous donor, females interested in the intersection of marine science and technology are eligible to apply for the Woman in STEM scholarship.
Students who wish to be considered for this scholarship should indicate their interest on the application form and describe their interests and activities in technology in the field of marine science in their application essay.
Dauphin Island Sea Lab Foundation Scholarships
The Dauphin Island Sea Lab Foundation supports the work of the Sea Lab. The Foundation is supporting 2 scholarships based on demonstrable financial need.
In addition to their interests in marine science, students who wish to be considered for this scholarship should indicate their interest on the application form and describe their financial need in their application essay.
Be a Gulf ROVer Scholarship
The use of ROVs, remotely operated vehicles, is growing in marine research, industry and exploration, including in the Gulf of Mexico. Students who have participated in their school’s or organization’s ROV team (MATE or SeaPerch), robotics team or program or who are interested in pursuing a career using ROVs or robotics are eligible to apply for this scholarship.
Students who wish to be considered for this scholarship should indicate their interest on the application form and describe their experience or interest with ROVs or robotics and its impact in their application essay.