Thank-You

With an eye on protecting, preserving and enhancing our piece of paradise, Lido Key Residents Association, in May 2022, began the process setting up to award scholarships to local needs-based students that are interested in pursuing environmental education in anticipation of a career. We initially solicited applications from Booker High School seniors or recent grad students. 

Although we had a few applicants from Booker apply, none of those applicants expressed interest in pursuing environmental education, a main criteria.

In June 2023, the Scholarship Committee met with  Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s Education staff to explore sponsorship opportunities.  We are excited to find that Mote's College Internship Program is a natural fit, as those students are already expressing interest in an environmental education. Mote uses over 200 interns annually working to gain valuable hands-on Ocean Science research, conservation, education and support services. Interns come from all over the county, but many interns are local.  Working with a world renown partner based here on the keys is exciting.  LKRA has made a minimum $3000 annual pledge in support of Mote's intern program.  Our Scholarship committee is excited to work with Mote’s Education staff in the final selection of need-based applicants, with a bias towards local students.   As our Scholarship Fund grows, we will be able to provide even more support.

The LKRA Scholarship Fund has been set up and will be maintained as a separate bank account. The Board will be working with a financial advisor to invest the assets so it can become an endowment like fund, providing support in perpetuity. 100% of donations our members and supporters make will be placed in this fund.