BESS - Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholars programme

🚨 Last Chance to Apply! Applications for the Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholar (BESS) Programme are closing soon — don’t miss your opportunity to be part of the next generation of Bahamian environmental leaders! 🐠✨

If you’re a high school student or recent graduate aged 14-18, with a passion for the environment, the ocean, and hands-on learning, this is your moment. Through this unique partnership between BREEF and The Island School, scholars gain real-world experience, mentorship, and skills that make a difference for our islands. 🇧🇸💙

Fall/Spring Semester Application Deadline: February 15th
Apply now using the link below and take the first step toward becoming an environmental steward for The Bahamas.

https://islandschool.org/programs-partnerships/local-programs/bahamas-environmental-steward-scholars-bess-program/

🌊✨ From the coral reefs of Nassau to the hearts of young minds across our islands, Farah Flowers has truly made waves during her internship with BREEF. As one of this year’s inspiring Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholars (BESS), Farah spent the past 4-months diving deep into hands-on conservation, restoring coral, assisting guiding student snorkels, and sharing her growing knowledge of our marine environment that sustains our way of life.

Her journey was more than just an internship it was a transformation.

“My experience with BREEF was nothing short of enriching. From snorkeling vibrant reefs along the coastline of Nassau to engaging with students and sharing the importance of marine conservation, I found myself falling even more in love with the ocean, and with my country! Being surrounded by people who genuinely care for our delicate environment gave me a sense of direction and purpose I didn’t know I needed. This opportunity has deepened my understanding of environmental stewardship and marine education. If you’re someone who’s curious about marine science or simply wants to better understand the waters that shape us, this is a program worth being part of.”

Farah's words remind us of the power of young Bahamians to lead change from under the sea to inside the classroom. 🐠

In Partnership with , if you’re passionate about the environment, curious about marine science, or simply want to discover what it means to be a steward of our island home—the BESS Programme might be your next step. Applications open soon.

Congratulations to our BESS Scholar Journey! 🎉

We’re so proud to celebrate Journey’s successful completion of her semester at The Island School and the incredible milestones she achieved during her time there!

At the recent Research Symposium, Journey presented on “How the Diversity and Density of Coral Grazers Impact Algal Cover on Coral Reefs in South Eleuthera” highlighting the important role of herbivorous fish in maintaining healthy reef ecosystems. 🐟🪸

Journey also took on one of The Island School’s biggest physical challenges—completing the 4-mile open ocean swim! 🌊

We are inspired by her passion for the ocean and her commitment to marine conservation, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for her.

Well done, Journey, you continue to make the BREEF and BESS community proud! 💙

The Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholarship is partnership between BREEF and The Island School to train the next generation of environmental leaders!

🌊 BESS Scholar Farah Flowers is Making an Impact at BREEF! 🌊

Our BESS Scholar, Farah Flowers, has hit the ground running in her internship at BREEF, and she’s already making waves! In just two weeks, she has been assisting with public snorkels, earning her CPR certification, helping with educational presentations, and even making radio appearances to spread awareness about marine conservation!

The BESS Programme, a partnership between BREEF and The Island School, is dedicated to training the next generation of environmental leaders. Through hands-on experiences like marine education, fieldwork, and community outreach, scholars like Farah gain invaluable skills that prepare them to protect and advocate for our oceans.

We can’t wait to see what Farah accomplishes next—stay tuned for more updates! 💙

🌊 BESS Scholar Journey Higgs is Making Waves at The Island School!

Journey Higgs, our Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholar (BESS), is diving headfirst into an unforgettable semester at The Island School! From scuba diving and snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs to kayaking through mangrove creeks, she’s immersing herself in hands-on scientific research and environmental learning. 🌱

The BESS Programme, a partnership between BREEF and The Island School, provides young Bahamians with an incredible gap year opportunity to explore marine conservation, climate science, and sustainable development through classroom and field-based experiences. Scholars like Journey gain real-world skills, intern with leading environmental organizations, and become the next generation of ocean advocates.

Want to take your passion for the environment to the next level? Applications for the next BESS cohort 2026-2027 are already open and this could be YOU next year! Stay tuned for updates. 📢

Photo Credit: island school

🌊🌿 Meet Farah Flowers! 🌿🌊

Farah is our newest Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholar (BESS) intern, a programme that gives young Bahamians hands-on experience in marine conservation, environmental education, and sustainability

She recently completed an immersive semester at The Island School and is now interning through BREEF at Coral Vita , a land-based coral farm in Grand Bahama. 🪸 There, she’ll gain valuable skills in coral husbandry, reef restoration, and ocean conservation, helping to protect The Bahamas’ marine ecosystems

Stay tuned as Farah dives into this exciting journey! 💙🐠

📢 The BESS Programme, a partnership between BREEF and The Island School, is now accepting applications! The deadline to apply is February 15th

🌊🌴 Exciting news! Journey Higgs, our current BESS Scholar, has officially begun her semester at The Island School in Cape Eleuthera! 🎉

The Bahamas Environmental Stewards Scholars (BESS) Programme is a partnership between BREEF and The Island School to train new and upcoming environmental leaders and advocates. Journey will spend the next few months on their campus in Cape Eleuthera, learning about environmental sustainability, marine conservation, leadership, and so much more.

The BESS Programme empowers young Bahamians like Journey to become future leaders in protecting our environment. 💙 We are so proud of her and can’t wait to see all she accomplishes on this incredible journey!

Our BESS Scholar, Journey Higgs, in Abaco is making a big impact! 🌿

From helping out with Friends of the Environment's school groups to assisting mangrove planting initiatives and delivering engaging presentations to local schools and community groups, Journey has been hard at work protecting, advocating for, and preserving our natural ecosystems. We're so proud of her dedication and leadership!

The BESS Programme is a partnership between BREEF and The Island School, designed to train the next generation of Bahamian environmental leaders. Ready to take the next step in becoming a steward for our environment?

Apply today to join the BESS Programme! Visit our website for more information. 🌿

🌊 Exciting updates from our BESS scholar, Farah Flowers! 🌟

She’s currently diving deep into her semester at The Island School, where she’s hard at work studying various marine ecosystems, sustainable systems, and building intentional communities and so much more!

🦈 As a member of the shark research group, Farah is gaining invaluable experience that will undoubtedly shape her future in marine conservation. We can’t wait to see all the amazing things she’ll accomplish!

Applications for the BESS Programme are now open! This gap year scholarship, a partnership between BREEF and The Island School, is designed to train the next generation of environmental leaders for their careers. Don't miss out on this opportunity! Apply today!

https://breef.org/index.php/what-we-do/youth-environmental-education/b-e-s-s-programme/

Photo Credit: The Island School

🌿🌊 Restoring Our Future, One Propagule at
a Time!

Last week, our dedicated BESS Scholar Journey
teamed up with Friends of the Environment and
Perry Institute for Marine Science to plant mangrove
propagules and restore North Abaco's mangrove
forests after the devastating impact of Hurricane
Dorian. Together, they collected over 5,000 propagules
to help rebuild these vital ecosystems! 🌱

Mangroves are key to protecting our coasts, supporting
marine life, and mitigating climate change. We're so
proud of Journey and the whole team for their hard
work and commitment to making a positive difference.
🌎

The Bahamas Environmental Stewards Scholars
(BESS) Programme is a partnership between BREEF
and offers young Bahamians the
chance to dive into hands-on conservation work, both
on land and in the water, through internships and
learning opportunities. 🌊

🚨 Apply today for the 2025 BESS cohort and start
your journey in environmental stewardship!

https://breef.org/index.php/what-we-do/youth-environmental-education/b-e-s-s-programme/

🌊 Meet Our Future Leaders! We're celebrating the incredible journeys of our BESS Scholars as they transition from environmental stewards to university students! Discover how the BESS Programme is not just a gap year but a launchpad for academic success and impactful careers.

Curious to see how our scholars are making waves? Head over to our website to read their inspiring stories and learn how the BESS Programme is shaping the future of environmental leadership in The Bahamas.

Dive in now! ➡️ https://breef.org/index.php/2024/09/06/the-success-of-our-bess-scholars-shaping-future-leaders/

🌿 Meet Maya Lindeman, our inspiring BESS Scholar! Currently, Maya is diving deep into learning at The Island School 🏝️, learning, exploring, scuba diving and soaking up valuable skills and knowledge that will shape her journey towards sustainability and positive change

In addition to her semester studies, Maya has embarked on a fascinating research class focused on energy research and sustainable systems in The Bahamas. 🌊 Her passion for environmental conservation and innovation shines through as she explores ways to create a greener, more sustainable future for our planet

From diving into marine habitats to creating a sense of community, Maya is a beacon of curiosity and dedication. Let's cheer her on as she continues to learn, grow, at The island School!

BESS - Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholars programme is a partnership between BREEF and The Island School to train the next generation of environmental leaders

Photo Credit: The Island School Flickr