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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 Webinars, 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 opening February 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 2026
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 how 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.
- 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
- 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.
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