NASSAU, BAHAMAS — During a year and a half of schools in online or hybrid learning and a world shaped by the COVID 19 pandemic, Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholars (BESS) have been embracing outdoor learning and scientific research.
The BESS programme, a partnership between the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) and the Cape Eleuthera Island School (The Island School), fosters the next generation of environmental leaders in The Bahamas and inspires new ways of learning.
This GAP year programme consists of a four-month paid internship with BREEF and a life-changing semester at The Island School with full and partial need-based scholarships. Applicants must be 15-18 years old, Bahamian or eligible for Bahamian citizenship and fully vaccinated against Covid 19. BREEF is now accepting BESS applications for the 2022-2023 school year.
During The Island School Semester, scholars challenge themselves academically, emotionally, and physically. They receive their SCUBA certification, work alongside professionals in leading environmental research, and complete a half marathon or a 4-mile open ocean swim. Scholars build lifelong friendships with students from around the world during their semesters and lead by example, sharing the histories and cultures of The Bahamas.
During the BREEF internship experience, BESS scholars learn about marine conservation and garner experience with a variety of partner organizations. Scholars can get their Reef Rescue Diver certification and learn how to grow corals and rebuild local reefs at the BREEF Coral Reef Sculpture Garden.
In December 2021, BESS scholar Isabelle Petty from Grand Bahama sailed aboard a Norwegian tall ship in the One Ocean Expedition from Havana, Cuba to Nassau, working hand in hand with over 100 scientists researching fisheries, oceanography, and global sustainability. Four BESS scholars including Haley Bethell from Abaco and Brianna Brown from Grand Bahama participated in turtle tagging with the Bahamas Sea Turtle Research organization, monitoring population, health, and migration of sea turtles from Eleuthera to Exuma.
Tonia Ferguson from New Providence attended the Bahamas Marine Mammal Research Organization Whale Camp researching whales and dolphins in the waters surrounding Abaco, and Edward Munroe from Eleuthera did part of his internship at the One Eleuthera Foundation. The solutions-based, experiential learning in BESS encourages students to leap out of their comfort zones and dive deeper into environmental conservation and sustainability.
Since 2008, 55 young Bahamians have benefitted from this exceptional educational experience, with many scholars currently employed in the environmental field or going on to pursue related tertiary studies. Several BESS alumni are currently attending universities in the Bahamas, Costa Rica, Germany, Canada, the UK, Japan, and other countries. BREEF and The Island School thank all the partners, donors, and sponsors whose support makes these opportunities possible.
2022-2023 BESS Applications are being accepted from now until February 15th, 2022 visit www.breef.org or email breef@breef.org for an application.
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