Awards Programs

ASBPA awards students in coastal fields who have demonstrated talent and shown promise to become future leaders in the coastal professions. These awards also come with small monetary prizes. These awards are announced during the National Coastal Conference.

How Do I Apply?

Any student can submit an application that outlines their accomplishments according to the specific requirements listed below.  Applications are due in late summer.

Please submit your entry via the online form.

Application materials and information should be submitted as a PDF or Word upload (max file size 20 mb). If you have any questions, please email managing@asbpa.org.

Nicholas Kraus Coastal Scholar Award

The Nicholas Kraus Coastal Scholar Award is given annually to a graduate student who aspires to advance his or her knowledge and experience of coastal science through an internship with ASBPA. The winner will become the dedicated staff member for the ASBPA’s Science and Technology Committee. The Coastal Scholar will work hand-in-hand with practicing coastal experts to develop technical position papers with the Committee and serve as the liaison for ASBPA with other graduate students in coastal sciences. The Coastal Scholar will work from their home institution and will participate with the ASBPA via conference calls and email. In addition to the experience of working with coastal experts, the award includes a $600 cash stipend paid in quarterly payments of $150.

The award winner must attend the National Coastal Conference to receive the award.

• Applications must include a curriculum vita and a paper addressing why the student is interested in becoming the ASBPA’s Coastal Scholar. The paper should include previous experience, education, future goals, as well as expectations of the Coastal Scholar Award position. The paper should not exceed five pages in length, single-spaced.
• Apply here.

See past award winners.

James Houston Coastal Economics Scholar Award

The James Houston Coastal Economics Scholar Award is given annually to an undergraduate or graduate student who, through his or her research, is furthering the state of beach coastal or riverine economics as it relates to the goals and mission of the ASBPA. The subject matter is encouraged to be as wide reaching as possible, including economic benefits of beach restoration, benefit cost analysis of beach restoration projects and any other research that includes benefits derived from beach, dune, riverine, and coastal restoration projects. This award includes a $500.00 cash stipend and will be awarded to the student at either the ASBPA National Coastal Conference or the ASBPA Coastal Summit.

The award winner must attend the National Coastal Conference or the National Coastal Summit to receive the award.

1. Applications must include a curriculum vita and a paper addressing why the student is interested in becoming the ASBPA’s Coastal Economics Scholar. The paper should include previous experience, education, future goals, as well as expectations of the Coastal Economics Scholar Award position. The paper should not exceed five pages in length, single-spaced.
2. Apply here.

This is a new award so there are not yet any past winners.

Student Coastal Advocate Award

The Student Coastal Advocate Award is given to a graduate or undergraduate student who aspires to advance his or her knowledge of and experience in federal coastal policy and advocacy through an internship with ASBPA. The winner will become the dedicated staff member for the ASBPA’s Government Affairs Committee. The Student Advocate will work hand-in-hand with practicing coastal experts to develop policy position papers with the Committee and participate in advocacy efforts seeking to influence federal policy via agencies or congress. The Coastal Advocate will work from his or her home institution and will participate with the ASBPA via conference calls and email. In addition to the experience of working with coastal experts, the award includes a $600 cash stipend paid in quarterly payments of $150.

Award winner is expected to attend the Coastal Summit in Washington, DC.

• Applications must include a resume or curriculum vita, a paper addressing why the student is interested in becoming the ASBPA’s Student Coastal Advocate, and contact info for two professional references (either academic or work related). The paper may include previous experience, education, future goals, as well as expectations of the Student Coastal Advocate position. The paper should not exceed two pages in length, single-spaced.
• Apply here.

See past award winners.

Student Educational Award

The Student Educational Award is given annually to an undergraduate or graduate student who, through his or her research, is furthering the state of science of coastal systems as it relates to the goals and mission of the ASBPA. Any research pertaining to coastal science is eligible for consideration. The award includes a $500 cash stipend.

Award winner is expected to attend the ASBPA National Coastal Conference and present his or her findings to the coastal community. Additionally, the winner is strongly encouraged to submit their award nomination paper for peer review by the editorial staff of Shore & Beach, the ASBPA’s technical journal, and possible inclusion in a future issue.

• Applications must consist of a curriculum vita and paper suitable for presentation and publication. Any subject pertaining to coastal science is eligible for consideration. Representative subject areas include natural processes (waves, currents sediment transport), ecology (habitat, ecosystem function), water quality (pollution sources, remedies), economics (cost/benefits of beach projects) and human impact on the coast (coastal structures, dams, restoration projects). The paper may include figures, tables, and photographs and should not exceed 10 pages in length, single-spaced, including references.
• Apply here.

See past award winners.