NextGen Legacy Project

As an expansion of the NextGen Scholarship, GUE has created the NextGen Legacy Project, to; not only help as many young individuals as possible who exemplify our values of passion and impact, but to also empower the next generation of project divers. If you are a certified diver looking for a community of change-makers, and are also interested in opportunities for personal growth, diving experiences, and mentorship, keep reading to learn more!

Click here to see the full library of NextGen Traineeship classes

What is the NGLP?

The NextGen Legacy Project (NGLP), is a community of NextGen Scholars, Trainee classes, community members, and other up-and-coming project divers that provides a ready-made network of friends and collaborative opportunities for training, experiences, and exploration/conservation initiatives.

Upon review of each NextGen Scholarship's application cycle, a selection of the year's deserving runners-up have the potential of receiving personalized support from GUE, subject to discretion. This could include a tuition-free course from GUE Instructors via individual mentorship opportunities, invitations for project participation, content creation or more. These individuals are called NextGen Trainees, and along with the corresponding NextGen Scholar (see here), will build an active community engaging with other GUE divers (community members) or project divers (including those interested in future GUE training).

Our purpose

To extend the value of the scholarship investment by facilitating a critical feedback loop between current and future scholars and trainees.
To provide inspiration to people in general and young people in particular, and to show the energy and possibilities that come from affiliation with GUE and the value of GUE training.
To empower participants as they make a positive impact on those in their orbit and within organizations they join, helping to foreground the unique nature of GUE.
To help young people acclimate into the GUE dive community by providing ready-made teammates and friends as well as a platform to share advice, feelings, and motivation.
To connect current scholars and trainees with GUE instructors and past scholars who can recommend projects to join based on their past experience and future goals.

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Current and past NextGen Scholars:

Will serve as an active admin to the NextGen Legacy Project, and, if applicable, produce a deliverable of any medium with other Trainees.

Current and past NextGen Trainees:

Will be active in the group, and inspire others by sharing posts and images of their journey, training and progress.

GUE community members and other up-and-coming project divers:

Will be a source of information, guidance and support for current NextGens and other divers – sharing insights into projects, teammates and training.

NextGen Interview - the inception

In the first video, GUE Vice President Dorota Czerny and NextGen 2022 Scholar Jennifer Thomson talk about all things scuba diving and break some common myths about the organization. In the second video, they wrap up their insight into the future of the GUE NextGen Scholarship: beginning the Legacy Project.

FAQ

Who is considered a “NextGen Trainee”, and how are they different to Scholars??

These are the top NextGen applicants who were runners-up for the scholarship. Around the time when Scholarship outcomes are announced, the NGLP co-ordinator will reach out to Trainees and notify them of their induction to that year's Trainee class, as well as their form of personalized support.

Who are “GUE community members”? Is it limited to Instructors, or can anyone join?

Yes, any GUE diver or GUE instructor who has an interest in contributing to Project Baseline, citizen science initiatives, or is engaged in GUE projects is welcome to join and support the next generation of divers. This group is not limited.

Who are “Up-and-coming project divers”? Can non-GUE members and citizen scientists join?

Although primarily for GUE divers, you can join the group if you are a non-GUE diver interested in taking future training, as hopefully this community will inspire you to take the leap and enter the GUE pathway. We also accept both citizen and academic scientists - especially of you are willing to act as a mentor and answer any questions that our young divers might have in your field of expertise.

I applied for the scholarship but was not contacted to be a NextGen Scholar or a Trainee. Can I still join?

Certainly! If you are passionate about exploring and conserving the underwater world and feel you can offer the community something or benefit from a support group, you can join as a member. Reach out to jenn@gue.com for more information and how to join.