The Georgia Williams Trust and Immerse School of Diving have announced the opening of applications for the 2015 Georgia Williams Diving Scholarship.

Georgia Williams lived life with an adventurous, outgoing attitude.  She loved being outdoors and being active.  Number three on Georgia’s wish list in life was to go scuba diving.  The Georgia Williams Trust formed in Georgia’s memory aims to enable young people to participate in life-building adventurous and outdoor activities, and to contribute to the local community.

The Georgia Williams Diving Scholarship presents an opportunity for one young person to pursue an interest in the underwater World, and in turn to enable other young people to have access to scuba diving activities, in the borough of Telford & Wrekin in Shropshire, UK.

The annual Scholarship is jointly funded by The Georgia Williams Trust and Immerse School of Diving. The Scholarship is sponsored by dry suit manufacturer Otter Watersports Drysuits, and television presenter and adventurer Monty Halls.

Last year saw Lois Adams of Abraham Darby School become the very first Georgia Williams Diving Scholar.  Runners up Chloe Forrester of Wrockwardine Woods Arts Academy, and George Ellison of Thomas Telford School, were also funded to complete their PADI (Junior) Open Water Diver qualifications with Immerse School of Diving and therefore also became fully qualified divers.

“When I heard about The Georgia Williams Diving Scholarship, I was instantly attracted at the idea of being able to not only learn to scuba dive, but to be involved with The Georgia Williams Trust.  When I was awarded the Scholarship, I was absolutely astounded and could not believe that I had been chosen. I feel extremely privileged to have become The Georgia Williams Diving Scholar for 2014. The staff and all of the other divers at Immerse School of Diving have made my experience truly memorable, and I’m lucky to say that I have made some friends for life!  I’d definitely encourage others to consider applying for the Scholarship – it’s a life changing experience, and I have absolutely loved every minute of learning to become a scuba diver,” said Lois Adams, the 2014 Georgia Williams Diving Scholar.

The Georgia Williams Diving Scholar learns to become a qualified scuba diver, and then continues training with Immerse School of Diving throughout the Scholarship year to attain the PADI (Junior) Master Scuba Diver rating – the highest non-professional PADI scuba diving qualification.

As part of the Scholarship, the Scholar is able to attend the Club Immerse weekly pool sessions to develop their diving skills and experience, and has the opportunity to complete at least fifty scuba dives over the course of the year with Immerse School of Diving.

In addition, the Scholar is given a range of additional scuba experiences, which differ depending on the opportunities presented during the Scholarship year and the Scholar’s personal interests.  The Scholar is also able to meet some of the leading names within the scuba diving industry.

At the end of the Scholarship, the Scholar has all the qualifications and experience required to commence training to become a PADI professional diver when they turn eighteen, opening up the opportunity to pursue a career in the scuba diving industry.

The Georgia Williams Diving Scholar also takes an ambassadorial role for The Georgia Williams Trust. There is an expectation that the Scholar will raise awareness of the Trust and the Scholarship during the year, promoting the aims of the Trust and helping to make scuba diving more accessible for young people in the borough of Telford & Wrekin.  The Scholar is expected to lead fundraising activities to raise a minimum of £250 for the Trust either before or during the course of the Scholarship year.

“The Georgia Williams Trust are so pleased to be able to offer this scuba diving Scholarship again in conjunction with Immerse School of Diving. The Scholarship has exceeded all our expectations, and delivered on so many more. The dedication and enthusiasm from Immerse School of Diving has ensured that the students we chose have had a fantastic year. It has been amazing to see each of them grow in confidence with their diving, and indeed with life itself. The students should feel so proud of how far they have come, and Immerse School of Diving should feel a fantastic sense of achievement with how brilliantly they have delivered the Scholarship,” said Lynnette Williams from The Georgia Williams Trust.

Applications are now open here and close at midnight on 31 May 2015.  Anyone between the ages of eleven and eighteen years at the time of application, and who either lives or goes to school or college in the borough of Telford & Wrekin, can apply for the Scholarship.  There is no means testing of applicants.

Shortlisted applicants will be asked to attend a selection evening in June where they will have the opportunity to complete a try dive with Immerse School of Diving, prior to final selection of this year’s Scholar.  The Georgia Williams Diving Scholar will be selected from all applicants by a panel consisting of representatives from The Georgia Williams Trust and Immerse School of Diving, with the aims of the Trust in mind, and will be announced at a presentation evening in late June.

“The Georgia Williams Diving Scholarship is a very special opportunity for young people within the borough of Telford & Wrekin. For the right young person with the motivation and commitment to fully engage in the Scholarship and to achieve its aims, the Scholarship opens up a whole new underwater World and a year jam packed full of new experiences.  We are looking for someone with Georgia’s spirit of adventure, and the ambition to break the mould and achieve something incredible,” said Tony Flack, Owner and Instructor at Immerse School of Diving.

For further information click here or email info@immersediving.com.