This scholarship honors the life of Ashley Nielsen, a beloved longtime camper at Clearwater Marine Aquarium who passed away in 2024. Ash was a bright, curious, and passionate young learner with a deep love for the environment. Through this scholarship, we are proud to give one high school student each year the opportunity to explore marine life, make lasting memories, and carry forward the same wonder and dedication that Ash brought to every adventure.
2026 Summer Camp Brochure
For the 2026 summer camp season, the Ashley Nielsen Scholarship will be awarded to one student who has completed 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade during the 2025–2026 school year. The scholarship includes a camp gear pack, a camp t-shirt, daily catered lunch, and full tuition for the camp of the recipient’s choice—either two half-day sessions ($250 each) in the same week or one one-week, full-day camp valued at $500 or less.
The application period for this scholarship will be open from January 19, 2026, until March 1, 2026, and you will receive an email confirmation once your submission has been received. Winners will be notified by Clearwater Marine Aquarium in mid-March 2026.
If you have any questions about the Ashley Nielsen Scholarship, please contact our Camp Supervisor Team at camps@cmaquarium.org.
Scholarship FAQs
The scholarship covers:
- Tuition for the camp of your choice: either two $250 half-day sessions in the same week or a one-week, full-day camp ($500 or less).
- A free camp t-shirt.
- A camp gear pack, including a Clearwater Marine Aquarium camp bag, mask and snorkel, CMA towel, CMA water bottle, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
- Daily catered lunches with an entrée, drink, dessert, and a side.
High school students in grades 9–12 during the 2025–2026 school year who are curious, enthusiastic, and excited to try new experiences—just like Ash. Applicants must also be able to attend Clearwater Marine Aquarium camp during the 2026 summer camp season.
Applicants can apply by completing the online application below. As part of the application, you will need to:
- Upload a copy of your current year’s report card or homeschool equivalent (this is used only to verify grade level; grades do not affect scholarship eligibility)
- Complete a 1-5 paragraph essay answering the following questions:
- Why are you passionate about the environment or marine life?
- How would attending Clearwater Marine Aquarium camp impact you?
- What makes you the ideal candidate for this scholarship?
- How do you plan to make a positive difference in your community or the environment after attending camp?
Yes, applicants may also submit a paper application by mail. To apply by mail, please print the scholarship application, complete it in full, and include all required supporting materials. Mailed applications must be received by the scholarship deadline to be considered. Mail completed applications to:
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
ATTN: Education Summer Camp Team
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
Incomplete applications or applications received after the deadline will not be reviewed.
Winners can choose any week that includes two $250 camp sessions (morning and afternoon) within the same week or a one-week, full-day camp ($500 or less). Once you have accepted the scholarship, winners will self-enroll in their preferred camp using a promo code provided by Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Winners must select and register for their camp by May 1, 2026. If the chosen camp is full, winners can select another camp or join the waitlist.
For general camp-related questions, please refer to our FAQs. If you have any further questions regarding the scholarship, please contact our Camp Supervisor Team at camps@cmaquarium.org or call (727) 441-1790 ext. 2270.