A needs-based scholarship program has been in place at DBMS since its inception in 1997, with the first year of classes in Summer of 1998. This ongoing initiative is an important part of DBMS because this financial aid literally opens the wonders of Duxbury Bay to children who otherwise may miss out on these experiences. We are grateful to our donors for allowing us the opportunity to extend needs-based scholarship opportunities to youth under age 18.
Due to the fixed number of program spots, financial aid is limited to one program per season for qualified youth under age 18. Please note that scholarship students are entered into our booking system the same way as all participants, so instructors do not know which students are receiving assistance.
Needs Based Scholarship Application Process
Thank you for your interest in the Duxbury Bay Maritime School programs. We are grateful to our donors for allowing us the opportunity to extend needs-based scholarship opportunities to youth under age 18.
Each year, we set aside a certain number of spots in our programs for scholarship recipients. Due to the fixed number of program spots, financial aid is limited to one program per season for qualified youth under age 18. Please note that scholarship students are entered into our booking system the same way as all participants, so instructors do not know which students are receiving assistance.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and forms must be completed at least two weeks prior to a program start date. All information is confidential. Spots are limited so we encourage you to complete an application as soon as possible.
Scroll Down to review the process, programs by age, FAQs or click here to apply
Application Steps
- Complete Scholarship Application. You do not need to know which program at this point.
- Send your most recent IRS Tax Return Form 1040 to HR@DBMS.org (unless you are prequalified by another community group or external organization). If you prefer, you can also email a request to HR@DBMS.org to have a secure Gmail folder created for you.
- If qualified, receive booking code (A “Booking Code” is needed to apply your scholarship to a program fee upon checkout)
- Research and select program(s) for your child/children
- Book on DBMS website using the booking code
Application Process
To initiate the process, please complete a Scholarship Application that will be sent to our HR Director at hr@dbms.org. You will also need to include your most recent IRS Tax Return Form 1040 unless any of the following are true:
- You have already been prequalified by another community group or external organization
- Have special circumstances such as illness, life-changing events, etc. which may make it difficult for you or your family to pay for the program fees.
- You are submitting on behalf of someone whose special circumstances would qualify them for support.
Providing this form ensures that DBMS is following a consistent and equitable process. This step is to qualify for financial assistance. To confirm your eligibility for a scholarship, DBMS requests a copy of the primary section of your most recently filed Federal tax return (Form 1040). This and other documentation supporting your application may be emailed to HR@dbms.org, but if you prefer a more secure process you may request an invitation to join a private DBMS Google Drive folder and upload documentation directly from your Gmail account.
You do not need to choose a program(s) at this step in the process. Please include on the application any supplemental information that may be relevant such as a change in circumstances from the previous year.
Our HR Director will reach out to you for further information/questions as needed. If qualified, you will receive an email with a booking code and instructions for you to directly go in and book a program for each participant.
If you have any questions throughout this process, please send an email to Hr@dbms.org or call DBMS at 781-934-7555 and ask to speak to the HR Director to inquire about scholarship information.
I have received my booking code… Now what?
Please review the program offerings on the program’s page to determine a program/ program(s) of interest for your child/guardian. Spots go quickly so you may want to have a back-up program or a few dates in mind. If you have questions about a specific program, please reach out to the program director on the specific program page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. If you have a previous Form 1040 from last year you can submit and then provide your current tax form when you have it. This will ensure that you have reserved a spot.
Yes, please briefly explain on the application the circumstance and we will take it into consideration.
Depending on availability, you can go into the system and change dates/program. If the program is full, you will have to look for another program or another program date.
No, all scholarship information is confidential and not shared with program directors, instructors, or other participants.
To get an accurate idea of how many instructors we need and how many kids in each program, we ask that you apply at least 2 weeks ahead of the start date.
You can reach out to the one of the program directors listed on the DBMS Staff Page.
Yes. We will offer a day for kids who have never been to DBMS to come see our campus and to go through what to expect on the first day.
Your child will need a water bottle, closed toe water shoes (or old sneakers will do) sunscreen, towel and lunch/snack if staying for a full day program. If your child has a life jacket, they can bring it otherwise we have several at DBMS. If you need assistance on getting any of these items, please let us know.