Promoting Environmental Education

The Lido Key Residents Association (LKRA) Scholarship Fund is designed to provide financial assistance to students pursuing degrees and training in marine biology, environmental science, wildlife management, conservation, and related fields. By reducing financial barriers, this fund will empower passionate individuals to focus on their studies and develop the skills necessary to safeguard vulnerable species and habitats.

Your generous support will directly impact the lives of future conservationists, researchers, and advocates who are committed to protecting marine ecosystems and shore bird populations. Contributions to the LKRA Scholarship Fund will help cover tuition, research opportunities, internships, and hands-on field experiences, all of which are essential for preparing students to meet the complex challenges facing our coasts.

From our members generous donations, the LKRA Scholarship Fund has awarded $9,000 in scholarships to participants in Mote’s Intern Program, $3000 in each year, 2023, 2024 & 2025.  

LKRA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and is now in a fundraising effort to endow the LKRA Scholarship Fund. Once we reach our Phase 1 target of $100,000, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium (Mote) has committed to serving as our partner, as well as being the custodian and investor of the fund. LKRA will establish a Scholarship Oversight Committee, which will collaborate with Mote, establish a Selection Committee, and determine the available scholarship amount for distribution each year.  Our goal is to raise the monies and turn the program over to Mote by February 1, 2026. In the interim, LKRA has set up a separate bank account for this fund. 

"I was offered the opportunity to intern at Mote after I joined the O-Tech Club, which was offered by Mote Marine at my high school. John Langen was a club advisor. We built an ROV from pvc pipe and little motors. I didn’t know anyone, but having hands-on experience kept me engaged and wanting to do more. Everything was new, but I quickly caught on and was able to help more and more. The scientists from Mote were there to help with difficult parts as well as answering questions about what they do and how it assists in research. 

Interning at Mote Marine with the Ocean Technology group has been a new learning experience and I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to see how scientists work every day. One of the most surprising things I’ve learned is how people from different departments work with each other on their projects. One of the projects I have been helping with is a diver recall system, which was requested by the boat captains. I researched different aspects of making an underwater speaker system; such as what frequencies are heard best underwater, and what kind of equipment is used in other recall systems that are already available. I was able to go on the boat one day to help deploy the glider and we even got to release baby sea turtles. While on the boat, I also helped with taking water samples for the scientists in the Ocean Acidification and Red Tide department. It was a new experience and I had to learn how to do it in the moment with only verbal instructions and watching other people. I learned a lot about field work and the stress that scientists are under, making adjustments and documenting everything, while also dealing with the unpredictable Florida environment.

This experience has already begun shaping my college path and my career choices by influencing my future towards a marine science or engineering-based job. I’ve learned that engineers can have many different jobs in numerous fields, and it’s not always a straightforward path. I am looking at colleges that offer programs for marine technology or paths that can connect marine biology and engineering. I’m also looking into more opportunities for exposure to technology and engineering while also keeping a connection to the ocean. I originally wanted to become a conservationist or a marine advocate, but working with the Ocean Technology team really shifted my interest towards the engineering and technology aspect of marine science. 

Since working alongside the Ocean Technology team, I am more inspired than ever to work towards a future that will aid research and impact the world."