$10k Aquaculture scholarship aimed at women
ONE of Norway’s internationally lesser known, but highly progressive salmon companies is about to begin accepting applications for its second annual Women In Aquaculture Scholarship.
Kvarøy Arctic, based on a postcard-pretty island near the Arctic Circle, started the scholarship programme last year because it recognises that it can be quite difficult for women to break into farm level aquaculture operations around the world.
The company is renowned for innovation, managing to double the omega-3 content over other farmed salmon, an achievement which has been certified by the American Heart Association’s Heart-Check programme. It also uses no antibiotics or chemicals in its production cycle.
Kvarøy CEO Alf-Gøran Knutsen, said: “The pandemic delayed our plans for last year’s recipients to join us on the farm but not our dedication to supporting them in their career development and to continuing this program.”
The scholarship is hosted in partnership with SAGE with (Seafood and Gender Equality), a non-profit initiative founded by former Fair Trade USA director Julie Kuchepatov with a mission to build a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive seafood industry and sustainable seafood movement.
Two scholarships are available this year with one dedicated to an applicant from any country globally and a second designated for applicants from countries in Africa.
The recipients will each be awarded a US $10,000 scholarship and a paid, one-month summer internship on the Kvarøy Arctic farm site in Norway. Recipients are welcomed to continue their internship each year they are in school, and will be considered for employment upon graduation.
According to a UN study, it is expected that by 2050, “half of the world’s population growth will occur in Africa.”
“Aquaculture is a burgeoning industry in this part of the world,” says Kvarøy Arctic Strategic Development Officer Jennifer Bushman.
“It’s within the Kvarøy Arctic value system to take a collaborative approach to advancing aquaculture and we’ve chosen to dedicate one of our scholarships to African women who are permanent residents on the continent and who are committed to supporting that region’s development in one of the most efficient and nutritious animal protein sources available.”
The inaugural programme hosted with the James Beard Foundation received a swell of applications motivating Kvarøy Arctic to go beyond its plan to award one scholarship.
The result was Kvarøy Arctic awarding scholarships to three women in 2020, from Tunisia, South Africa, and the United States.
SAGE Founding Director Julie Kuchepatov said: “We are proud to serve as the executing partner of the Kvaroy Arctic Women in Aquaculture Scholarship.
“SAGE is committed to building an inclusive, diverse, and equitable seafood industry that attracts new talent, ready to move the industry into a bright, post-pandemic future. This scholarship, supporting two undergraduate or graduate students currently immersed in aquaculture studies, reflects Kvaroy Arctic’s like-minded mission to SAGE’s purpose and is an incredible opportunity for women to immerse themselves in a world-class aquaculture company, experience hands-on training, and receive critical financial support for their studies.”
How to Apply:
Applications and a full list of qualifying criteria will be available via the Kvarøy Arctic website (KvaroyArctic.com) on April 13, 2021. Applicants must be 18 and over and submit their completed form with a current CV to scholarships@kvaroyarctic.com by 19:00 (U.S. Pacific Time) on June 22, 2021. Recipients will be contacted on July 13, 2021.
Featured: Kvarøy Arctic CEO Alf-Gøran Knutsen with 2020 Women in Aquaculture Scholarship recipient Marwa Mechlaoui
