Our scholarship application for 2024 is closed. The 2025 Scholarship will open on 1/1/2025.

Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must meet all of these minimum requirements to be considered for the scholarship.

  • Applicants must have past or present participation in a junior lifeguard program or past or present employment as an open water lifeguard (river, lake, ocean). Pool lifeguarding and/or certification are not considered. 

  • In order to apply, candidates need to attend a four-year post-secondary school during the 2024/2025 academic year as a full-time undergraduate student pursuing their first undergraduate degree. This scholarship will not be awarded to students attending community college or trade schools, or for graduate education. Students will be required to submit proof of admission, and registration or a course schedule that shows adequate units enrolled prior to disbursement of funds. 

  • Applicants must be a current high school senior or undergraduate student. Students continuing or applying to graduate schools will not be considered. 

  • Applicants must demonstrate a strong work ethic, independence, academic rigor and promise, athleticism, and service to the community. 

  • High School students must have a minimum unweighted 3.2 GPA, and undergraduate students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and be taking a full-time academic course load. Transcripts will be required for all scholarship finalists. Please report accurately on your application. 

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be selected based on the following criteria:

  • Application (Open January 1, 2024) 

    • The essay and resume will be submitted through the application portal. Applicants must complete an essay (maximum 700 words) that demonstrates how you exhibit the characteristics of Ben Carlson and your educational goals. 

  • Transcripts will be required for verification upon request of the scholarship committee. (High school students should include the first semester, college students should include high school transcript and any college transcripts). 

  • Oral Interview with the BCMSF Board (Top 5 candidates)

Ben Carlson was a Newport Beach Lifeguard that died in the line of duty July 6, 2014. Ben exhibited an exceptional work ethic, love of the ocean, compassion, athleticism, and scholastic performance. The Ben Carlson Memorial and Scholarship Foundation will offer three $15,000 scholarships in Ben’s memory. The Ben Carlson Memorial and Scholarship Foundation hopes to create a sustainable legacy through scholarship, ocean safety, and philanthropy. 

Timeline

  • January 1, 2024 - Scholarship is open to applicants

  • February 1, 2024 - Scholarship Application Deadline. The online application portal closes. 

  • April 2024 - Notification of scholarship finalists and scheduling of oral interviews for top five candidates. Interview candidates are required to bring official transcripts.

  • May 2024 - Notification of award recipients. 

  • July 12, 2024 - Scholarship Dinner Event, VEA, Newport Beach

If you have questions, please contact the scholarship chair at bcmsfscholarship@gmail.com. Please do not send any documents or information by email.