FGCU’s Gulf Scholars will thrive as leaders in positive change in Southwest Florida through critical examination of self and community. With an interdisciplinary approach and an emphasis on community outreach and cooperation through a mix of coursework, internship opportunities and research projects, undergraduates will learn to identify and address the big issues faced by the Gulf Region.
The Gulf Scholars Program is funded by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.
Apply to become a member of our Gulf Scholar Cohort!
The cohort is the heart of FGCU's Gulf Scholars Program. Students accepted into the cohort will grow as leaders, drawing from the knowledge and experiences they will gain through their journey in the program. They will draw on interdisciplinary and methodologically varied approaches to solve the problems our community faces.
Solving the Gulf Region's big problems will require expertise from multiple disciplines. Students across all colleges and departments are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate has at least 4 semesters left in their course of study.
As a member of the cohort, you will:
- Join a small group of like-minded students working together to solve the region's big problems.
- Participate in projects with FGCU faculty and receive 1-on-1 mentorship.
- Engage with community partners in your interest area.
- Complete coursework and an internship leading up to a community-oriented Gulf Action Project.
Gulf Scholars receive:
- $1,500 scholarship in year 1.
- Paid internship in year 2.
- Up to $2,000 to fund a Gulf Action Project in year 2.
- Build your resume with on-and-off campus experiences, recognized credentials and long-lasting connections.
Apply to be part of the 2026-27 cohort!
Applications are open throughout the Fall semester and close on January 19th, 2026. Those accepted will be notified by February 20th, prior to Fall registration to ensure they can plan their class schedule accordingly.
apply nowIf you have any questions please contact us at: (gulfscholars@fgcu.edu)
Are you a Gulf Scholar?
If you care about our Gulf community and the big problems it's facing, you may be a Gulf Scholar.
- Gulf Scholars can be majors in any discipline.
- Gulf Scholars want to collaborate with other students and faculty.
- Gulf Scholars want to work with community partners to solve problems.
Choose how you engage with the program
The Gulf Scholars Program at FGCU has opportunities for everyone. Students can choose the extent of their engagement through our different pathways.
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Gulf Scholars Cohort
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Gulf Scholars Community
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Gulf Scholars Coursework
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Faculty can engage in the Gulf Scholars Program in a variety of ways:
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Develop a course with the GSP attribute.
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Engage a research assistant or mentor a student on their Gulf-related research project.
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Lead Gulf Discovery professionalization workshops and seminars
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Participate in Gulf Scholars sponsored events.
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If you're interested, or have any questions, please contact us at: (gulfscholars@fgcu.edu)
We believe that close cooperation between the educational, economic, and social leaders in our community is the key to the preservation and prosperity of the Gulf Region.
As a Gulf Scholars community partner you can help contribute towards this goal by:
- Sharing your expertise, insight and experience with engaged and highly motivated students.
- Developing partnerships through internships, research projects and other types of engagement with the cohort and individual Gulf Scholars.
- Helping form the next generation of local leaders in sustainable development.
- Contribute in your own unique way! If you have any other ideas or plans in mind that you feel align with our goals and values, don't hesitate to bring them up and discuss them with us.
If you're interested in partnering with FGCU's Gulf Scholars please contact us at: (gulfscholars@fgcu.edu)
Meet the team
