Please contact education@centralcoastaquarium.com with questions.

Scholarships

2025-2026

About Our Scholarships

Year round scholarship availability is dependent on grant funding and private donations. Scholarships will be awarded in the order that applications are received.

Through the generous support of local grants and private donors, the Central Coast Aquarium supports hundreds of students annually through program scholarships. Scholarships are awarded on a first come, first serve basis, with priority given to underserved Title I students. 
The Central Coast Aquarium graciously recognizes the generous support of the Harold J. Miossi Charitable Trust for providing Discovery Lab scholarships to nearly 700 local students in the 2024-25 school year and additional funds for the 2025-26 school year. We also acknowledge the generosity of private donors for providing student scholarships for the 2025-26 school year.

Am I Eligible?

  • Most scholarships are reserved for Title I schools.
  • PreK-12th grade students are eligible to receive scholarships.
  • Some program scholarships may apply to specific counties. 
  • Scholarships are applied to program fees. We are unable to cover the costs of bus transportation at this time. 

How to Apply

  1. Complete the School Field Trip Application Form by clicking on the button below and indicate scholarship interest at the end of the form.
  2. Please be prepared to provide a statement of need in your application detailing how the desired program will enhance student learning.

FAQs

Scholarship funds are available! Apply today by filling out the School Field Trip Interest Form and clicking yes for “Are you interested in applying for a program scholarship?” at the end of the form.

In an effort to support as many students as possible, scholarship discounts of 25% and 50% off regular fees are available. 

Scholarships are reserved to one per class of up to 30 students. 

Title I students from PreK-12th grade are eligible for scholarships.

Please allow 2-3 weeks for your application to be processed. If eligible, you will be notified regarding your award status.

Yes! Scholarships are available for Discovery Labs, Floating Labs, Tidepools On Tour and Marine Life Monitoring Programs. Please understand that we rely on external funding to support our scholarship awards and will update this page with additional scholarship information, as funds become available.

Central Coast Aquarium scholarships from Harold J. Missori