EMERGE
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Eligibility
Application Timeline
Application Requirements
Key Program Components
Mentor
EMERGE: A Program Supporting Our Future Leaders in Marine Technology
The
EMERGE
program
is a yearlong professional development and mentorship program tailored for students and ECOPs entering the marine field. The program blends structured training, hands-on skill building, and personalized mentorship to support career advancement and strengthen engagement within MTS and the broader marine community.
The EMERGE Community
EMERGE brings together people who share a passion for learning, innovation, and ocean
connection
Connect with students, ECOPs, mentors, and professionals across the global
community
Grow Your Professional Skills:
Build confidence through
Career Accelerator
ebinars, cohort meetings, and guided mentor conversations designed to strengthen communication, networking, and career-readiness.
Experience Conferences with Purpose
EMERGE offers travel support for selected participants and prepares you to make the
most of
conference opportunities. With your mentor’s guidance,
you’ll
engage more
intentionally—meeting
leaders, asking informed questions, and creating meaningful professional connections
Program Highlights
Through webinars, cohort engagement, and mentor-guided support, EMERGE helps
emerging
professionals strengthen their confidence and advance their career pathways.
Program features include:
Professional
development webinars designed to build career and leadership skills
Monthly cohort touchpoints to
maintain
connection and peer support
One-on-one mentorship aligned with individual professional goals
Opportunities to
participate
in MTS events, committees, and programs to strengthen engagement and visibility
"The EMERGE program met all my expectations. My mentor introduced me to other researchers in my field of research and provided numerous networking opportunities at the conference."
- Stephan O'Brien | 2023 EMERGE Participant | University of South Florida
2026 EMERGE Program - Applications Due April 17, 2026
2026 Program Eligibility
Post-secondary students
(e.g., undergraduate and graduate) and ECOPs (i.e., no more than 10 years from your last degree) that are current members of the Marine Technology Society (
student membership cost $25 per year; ECOP membership cost $50 per year
).
Participation in the EMERGE program
requires attendance at the Underwater Intervention conference
(December 2-6, 2026)
. All student and ECOP participants applying to the program must get approval from their advisor (students) or employer (ECOPs) that they will be able to attend.
Application Timeline
Applications Open:
February 17, 2026
Applications Close:
April 17, 2026
Notification of Acceptance:
May 18, 2026
Program Duration:
September 2026 – May 2027
Application Requirements
All applicants are required to upload and submit the following with the EMERGE application:
General Information:
Information about yourself, including a list of relevant courses / classes.
EMERGE Essay:
Provide a statement of up to 500 words detailing your interest or past involvement in marine technology, your reasons for wanting to join the EMERGE program, and how it aligns with your long-term goals to support your advancement.
Marine Activities Statement:
Describe your involvement in marine-related activities such as volunteering, conferences, environmental programs, research projects, or service to your country, detailing your role and its connection to marine technology, engineering, or science.
Honors and Awards (optional):
List any awards, honors, or academic achievements from the past two years, such as Dean’s List, Science Fair Awards, or National Merit Scholar, in a bulleted format of up to 200 words.
Letter of Recommendation:
From a teacher, counselor, professor, advisor, co-op, or internship supervisor who can speak to your experience in a marine-related context, including research conducted.
Letter of Reference/EMERGE Character Reference:
From someone you know who IS NOT a teacher, counselor, advisor, or professor. This letter is highlighting the qualities, characteristics, and capabilities of the person applying for the EMERGE program. Suggestions are a neighbor, family friend, or volunteer supervisor/coordinator, but NOT a parent or immediate family member.
Unofficial Transcripts
: If an active student, you will be required to submit your unofficial transcript.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use:
MTS recognizes the expanding use of AI and how it may be used as a tool to overcome challenges and fill in knowledge gaps (in such areas as language comprehension or lack of technology fluency) that may occur during the preparation of your scholarship application. You will be asked to specify h
ow you used AI as a tool (but not as a crutch) to assist with your application and fill in gaps in understanding (but not replace knowledge and skills).
Please upload the letters on the form. If the person drafting the letter prefers, they can also send it directly to our email at
[email protected]
Key Components for 2026 Participants
Full travel support to attend
Underwater Intervention 2026
in New Orleans, Louisiana (December 2-6, 2026)
Guided mentorship at
Underwater Intervention 2026
, helping participants navigate sessions, exhibitors, and networking
Cohort connections that foster shared learning and peer support
Monthly virtual Career Accelerator Webinars designed to strengthen communication, career readiness, and professional confidence
Optional opportunities to participate in MTS activities, Sections, Committees, and events throughout the year
Program Events*
*Subject to change
Kickoff Meeting (Virtual): September
Purpose: Familiarize participants with MTS, its mission, and Underwater Intervention. Pair mentees for breakout sessions (mentee-to-mentee networking) and gathering feedback through polls.
Duration: 60 minutes
Mentor Meeting #1 (Virtual): October 2026
Purpose: Conduct a one-on-one interview with your mentor to learn from their experiences.
Homework: Research mentors on LinkedIn and prepare 3 interview-style questions
Underwater Intervention Logistics Meeting (Virtual): November 2026
Purpose: Prepare participants for Underwater Intervention by reviewing logistics, expectations, and opportunities for meaningful engagement during the conference.
Mentor Meeting #2 (Virtual): November 2026
Purpose: Map out engagement and goals for attending Underwater Intervention.
Homework: Come up with goals to review with your mentor.
Attend Underwater Intervention in New Orleans (in person): December 2-6, 2026
Purpose: Attend the conference, network, and engage in sessions alongside your mentor.
Post-Conference Debrief (Virtual): Mid-December 2026
Purpose: Reflect on the Underwater Intervention experience with the cohort and strategize for the next steps in your career.
Post Underwater Intervention Mentor Meeting #3 (Virtual): Mid-December 2026 or January 2027
Purpose: Conduct a debrief with your mentor.
Duration: 30 minutes
Mid-Year Check In (virtual): March 2027
Purpose: Connect with the cohort celebrate accomplishments, reflect on growth, and discuss plans for the upcoming year.
Final Check In (virtual): May 2027
Purpose: Connect with the cohort, celebrate accomplishments, reflect on the past year, and provide feedback on the program.
In addition to the events outlined above, EMERGE participants are expected
to attend the monthly Career Accelerator Webinars,
held on the third Thursday of each month at 3:00 PM ET. These webinars feature authentic insights from industry leaders and offer practical guidance on leadership, communication, and career growth while fostering meaningful connections across the MTS community. EMERGE participants are requested to actively participate by asking questions and contributing to discussions.
Mentor Opportunities
EMERGE Mentors support participants by offering guidance, sharing sector knowledge, and helping emerging professionals navigate their career paths. Mentors engage throughout the year, fostering growth and strengthening the participant’s connection to the marine technology community.
Why Mentor?
Support the next generation of marine technologists
Share knowledge and leadership experience
Build your own professional network
Contribute meaningfully to the future of the field
Mentor Expectations
Attending
Underwater Intervention conference
(December 2-6, 2026, New Orleans)
Virtual meetings throughout the year
Participation in mentor orientation and community-building activities
Completion of required 2-hour safety training
Biennial background check
Interested in making a difference?
Please complete the form to submit your application to be an EMERGE Mentor
. Application reviews begin in Summer 2026 on a rolling basis.
MENTOR APPLICATION
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