CELP 2025 FAQ

Applicant Eligibility

1. What happens to my application if I don’t meet the eligibility criteria?
   a. All applications go through an initial eligibility check before moving onto the selection committee. Any applications that do not meet the eligibility requirements will not be reviewed.
2. I’m transferring or graduating in Spring 2025. I plan to start a graduate program before December 2025, but don’t know if I am accepted yet. Am I eligible?
   a. Yes. You must be enrolled in a program when you apply for the 2025 CELP Scholar Program. As part of the application process, please indicate any expected changes to your current enrollment, status, etc.
3. I live in Southern California but attend a school outside of Southern California either in person or virtually. Am I eligible?
   a. No. To maximize engagement between scholars and the Aquarium opportunities, applicants must attend school in Southern California.
4. I am a high school student starting college in the fall of 2025. Or I am currently taking a dual enrollment or college course as a high school student. Am I eligible?
   a. No. Applicants must be enrolled in and attending a college or university at the time of application submission. First-year college students are eligible, but current high school students are not. We encourage you to apply next year!
5. What should I do if I am uncertain about my eligibility?
   a. Email us at CELPScholars@lbaop.org

School Location

6. Is there a geographical boundary to be considered a Southern California school?
   a. No. There is no strict boundary. For schools 100-150 miles from Long Beach, the candidate’s ability to travel to Long Beach and descriptions of potential program participation are considered during the application review and interview processes.
   b. The 2024 cohort of CELP Scholars included students attending school in Santa Barbara, San Diego, and Camarillo.

Application Details

7. Is there a preference for specific majors?
   a. No. Any STEM major related to the work of the Aquarium will be considered. As part of your application, take time to explain how YOUR major is relative to the goals of the CELP Scholar Program.
8. What makes a strong application?
   a. Be as specific as possible! Do some research about the Aquarium so you can speak to how it connects to your interests. Give specific examples of how you would engage with the program and community if accepted.

If accepted into the CELP Scholar Program…

9. How often would I be expected to visit the Aquarium?
   a. Individual experiences depend on the scholar’s interests. We know CELP Scholars are busy with school and work, as well. There is no set expectation. Scholars are welcome to propose ideas for being involved.
10. Does being a CELP Scholar lead to a job at the Aquarium?
    a. Being a CELP Scholar introduces you to the Aquarium environment and people related to your interests to help inform your trajectory in STEM. CELP Scholars have access to job boards, and are informed when new positions are posted, but it does not provide you a job. Scholar alumni have volunteered, interned, and worked at the Aquarium.
11. Are there research opportunities?
    a. The Aquarium does engage in projects that may contribute to research projects, but CELP does not specifically provide research experiences for undergraduates (REUs). You are welcome to apply to REUs that you attend simultaneous to your time as a CELP Scholar.
12. How can CELP scholars use the award stipend? Do scholars need to provide a record of what the stipend is used for?
    a. The financial award is given to help support each CELP Scholar’s journey in STEM. Award recipients are welcome to use the dollars as they see fit. Many use their funds to work fewer shifts at a part-time job, cover tuition, gas, field materials, SCUBA training and equipment, hiring undergraduates to support their research, etc.