PURPOSE

OBMG’s scholarships help to support minority representation and placement in maritime careers. To date, OBMG has awarded $400,000 in scholarships to more than 300 SUNY Maritime students.

These scholarships, made possible by our members and donors, provide assistance and encouragement to Black and other minority undergraduates who are full-time students and pursuing a career in the maritime and engineering professions. Each year the scholarships are named in honor of individuals who have fostered minority involvement in the maritime profession or have made sacrifices and meritorious contributions and therefore epitomize the organization’s founding mission “to assist and encourage”.

ELIGIBILITY

• Must be a full-time student of SUNY Maritime College.

• A cadet whose conduct, professional competency and citizenship has demonstrated potential to develop substantial leadership abilities.

• Show financial need, as described by the New York State & federal regulations for special programs designed to assist economically and academically disadvantaged students.

• The Carl F. Burnett Academic Achievement Scholarship is awarded each year to the applicant who has the highest GPA above 3.0 for the semester preceding the award. Carl F. Burnett, Class of 1950, was the first African American to graduate from SUNY Maritime College.

SCHOLARSHIP DETAILS

Financial Information

The number of scholarships and award amounts vary each year, but students can expect to receive a minimum of $500 per scholarship. Awards of $1000.00 or more must be used toward the Summer Sea Term. The OBMG Executive Board sets the amount available for scholarships each year.

Selection Methodology

Final selection of award recipients is decided by the OBMG Scholarship Committee after considering financial need, academic achievement, and letters of recommendation. Recommendations from the college administration and faculty will be considered. Leadership ability, social consciousness and work ethic also play an important role is the selection process.  

Scholarship Awards

The awards are presented on the last Thursday in February at the Annual Cultural Club Black History Month Dinner hosted by the SUNY Maritime College Cultural Club. The dinner is free to attend. There is always good food, live music as well as motivating guest speakers and inspiring presentations about our Scholarship Honorees.

Application Deadline

Scholarship Applications with all the accompanying documents must be submitted by February 7th. Late, incomplete applications or those not legible will be rejected.