Ernestine Bennett Memorial Scholarships are awarded to individuals who are genuinely interested in experiencing sail training and education under sail. Applicants must show a demonstrated need for financial assistance. Also, applicants must describe, in writing, what they feel they will achieve by participating in the sail training experience. Guidelines for submitting this information are included in the application form.

• The applicant must be 14 years old or older. Preference will be given to those applications who are from the Pacific Northwest and who are female but not solely limited to.
• The sail training program must be aboard an ASTA Member Vessel or organized by an ASTA “Affiliate” Member organization and meet the following criteria:
• Vessel must be inspected and certified under sub-chapter T (Passenger for Hire) or sub-chapter R (Sailing School Vessel) of Chapter 46, US Code of Federal Regulations or national equivalent.
• Applications must be filled out completely. An incomplete application will not be considered for funding. The applicant may contact the ASTA office for guidance in completion and submission of the application. It is also suggested that the applicant establish a tentative contract or registration with the sail training program of their choice.
• Sail training programs may assist individuals in the application process. However, it will still be the responsibility of the individual to complete his or her portion of the grant application and to demonstrate need.

Ernestine Bennett Memorial Scholarship Program offers equal opportunity to students ages 14 and over and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, or religious affiliation.

How to Apply for an Ernestine Bennett Memorial Scholarship

Each applicant must first select a sail training program to participate in. Individuals must then contact that program, request a copy of its registration or application form, and advise that organization that they are applying for an ASTA Financial Assistance Grant. It is important for the applicant to establish a good, working contact with the selected Sail Training Program and to be aware of that Program's registration requirements.

Applicants must complete both the Ernestine Bennett Memorial Scholarship Application and the Sail Training Program Application and submit copies of each to both ASTA and the Sail Training Program. Applications should be typewritten or legibly printed. Applicants may also use a computer to download an application form from the ASTA Web site. Scholarship Applications must be completed in full, include the required signatures, and arrive via first class mail. We suggest submitting your application at least four (4) months prior to your sail training experience.

Review Process

Applications must be received by ASTA by April and November 1 of each year and will be reviewed by the Sail Training and Education Committee. Applications received after the review will be considered in the next review cycle. All decisions of the Board of Directors are final.

Both the individual making the application and the Sail Training Program will be notified of the Committee's decision.

Approval Process

Upon approval, the applicant and the Sail Training Program will be notified of the amount of the award. The applicant must remit his or her portion of the tuition fee in a timely fashion as requested by the Sail Training Program. ASTA will pay the balance of the cost of participation directly to the Sail Training Program when the program provides proof of participation and the student evaluation form and essay has been completed and received by ASTA. This process must be completed three months after the completion of the program.