The Tribune

AFTER an inspiring application process, four passionate young Bahamians have been selected as the 2026–2027 Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholars (BESS).

This programme is a partnership between the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) and The Island School, and continues to produce well-rounded, eager, and educated students who leave ready to lead.

For 2026, four scholars have been chosen: Daniel Longe and Trevan Fernander completed a six-week Summer Term at The Island School's Eleuthera campus, followed by a two-week hands-on internship with BREEF to gain real-world skills in the marine environment.

Taryn McKinney-Lambert is a former Deep Creek Middle School (DCMS) student and avid sailor and ocean explorer. Jayden Pratt is a 2026 graduate of CR Walker Senior High School and an alumnus of BREEF's pilot Students for Environmental Action (SEA) programme. They will complete a 100-day Fall Semester at The Island School, followed by a four-month internship with BREEF.

Through BREEF, past and present scholars have had the extraordinary opportunity to work closely with Bahamian wildlife including dolphins, flamingoes, queen conch, corals and so much more, gaining hands-on experience that builds confidence, curiosity, and a deep sense of stewardship.

At The Island School, scholars conduct real, scientific research, learn to scuba dive, and are encouraged to explore our underwater world. For young Bahamians, this certification opens doors to careers in marine science, tourism, conservation, engineering, and beyond.

The four-month internship with BREEF is carefully tailored to each student's unique interests. Whether a scholar dreams of research with marine mammals, coral restoration, environmental engineering, or journalism, BREEF helps them explore that path. If a student already has a career goal in mind, the programme provides opportunities for exploring next steps within that field. BREEF also works with students to ensure they are applying for tertiary education, locally or abroad, to further advance their skills as environmental stewards.

Since 2008, 66 young Bahamians have benefited from this exceptional educational experience, with 90 per cent of scholars going on to pursue related tertiary studies and many currently employed in the environmental field. BESS Scholars leave not only with scuba certification and real research experience, but with a portfolio of conservation work and a clear pathway toward university or a meaningful career.

To apply for the program applicants must be between the ages of 14 and 18, have or be eligible for Bahamian citizenship demonstrate an interest in leadership and environmental stewardship. The deadlines for the summer term deadline is January 15 and the deadline for fall or Spring Semester deadline is February 15.

Recognising that a full gap year is not feasible for every student, the BESS programme has evolved into a work-study programme which now offers summer modules, significantly expanding our reach and providing a more flexible way to engage. This exciting addition allows students to complete the summer term and gain valuable, hands-on experience through an internship placement with BREEF without requiring an extended time commitment or college deferment. This ensures that even more aspiring environmental stewards can benefit from this unique opportunity.

This programme is made possible through the support of The Island School and The Cape Eleuthera Foundation and donors in The Bahamas and abroad for making these unique opportunities possible. Applications for the next cohort of Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholarship begins on September 15.