The Next Swell
The Next Swell® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization formed for the purpose of cultivating future generations of marine conservationists and scientists.
Our primary efforts include:
Providing financial scholastic scholarships to exceptional student candidates pursuing degrees in the fields of marine biology and/or marine conservation.
Providing targeted financial assistance in the form of timely grants to exceptional student candidates to assist with project-related costs that directly enhance marine conservation.
Heightening public awareness of the ecological, legal, and philosophical implications of marine conservation efforts within the current political and socio-economic paradigms.
Partnering with the local community to foster public discussion regarding marine biology and conservation in order to engage public participation in conservation efforts and to help steward marine ecosystems for future generations.
Cultivating the Future of Marine Conservation
The Next Swell is a non-profit organization established to cultivate future generations of scientists and marine conservationists through education and opportunity. Founded in 2020 by biologists, educators, psychologists, and ocean lovers, the primary goal of The Next Swell is to provide scholarships for students seeking a degree in a marine science field, while simultaneously working to educate the public and promote public engagement on ecological issues.
The Cost of Higher Education
The cost of higher education in the United States is high and continues to rise exponentially. The average 2021-2022 yearly tuition cost for Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography programs was $30,179 for undergraduate programs and $23,127 for graduate programs. This excludes living expenses and potential research costs. The gauntlet of unpaid and low-paid internship and early career opportunities for marine biologists is exacerbated by the fact that the average marine biologist salary is only $52,243. Additional financial burdens brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have compounded this issue.
Who is the Next Swell?
The Next Swell was started during the COVID-19 pandemic to help ease the financial costs associated with starting a career in marine conservation. The fiscal burden of marine science education prevents many prospective candidates from joining the field. Those deterred from the field by educational costs could potentially play a critical role in addressing issues, such as rising ocean temperatures and failing marine ecosystems. We cannot afford to miss out on amazing future scientists simply due to the cost of education. The Next Swell strives to provide educational opportunity to any exceptional student candidate, increasing the number of conservationists dedicated to solving our most pressing problems in marine science.
Additionally, the organization hosts public engagements ranging from beach clean ups, educational seminars, blogs and beyond.
Programs
The Next Swell Scholarships
Providing financial scholastic scholarships to exceptional student candidates pursuing degrees in the fields of marine biology and/or marine conservation.
The Next Swell Grants
Providing targeted financial assistance in the form of timely grants to exceptional student candidates to assist with project-related costs that directly enhance marine conservation.
Volunteering + Events
Community Engagement
The Next Swell is proud to host community engagement events to provide education and outreach through action. Whether it be beach or nature clean-ups, hosting trivia events with local businesses and national organizations (Quiz for a Cause!), or working with local educators to provide tailored marine conservation lesson plans, The Next Swell is always striving to provide the greatest impact.