Sisters Under Sail Offers Scholarships for Daughters of Deployed Military Personnel
First mate Mindy Doroski, 29, of Greenport, N.Y., untangles the flag aboard the 118-foot tall ship Unicorn. The image captures a moment of routine seamanship and care that reflects the spirit of life at sea: hands-on work, attention to detail, and teamwork.
Sisters Under Sail, a non-profit organization that teaches leadership skills to teenage girls aboard the Unicorn, will award scholarships for a six-day passage this summer to eligible daughters of deployed U.S. military personnel. The program combines practical seamanship with intentional leadership development, giving young women an opportunity to build confidence, resilience, and collaborative skills in a supportive, maritime setting.
What the Program Offers
The Sisters Under Sail experience centers on life aboard a traditional tall ship, where participants share responsibilities for navigation, sail handling, watch standing, and basic vessel maintenance under the guidance of an experienced crew. Onboard activities typically emphasize teamwork, communication, and problem-solving—qualities that translate directly to leadership on land and in school or community settings.
Beyond technical skills, the program prioritizes personal growth. Teen participants often leave with greater self-assurance, stronger interpersonal skills, and a clearer sense of responsibility. Living and working closely with peers on a vessel like the Unicorn encourages empathy, cooperation, and the ability to lead by example.
Scholarships for Military Families
The organization has committed to supporting military families by offering scholarship opportunities specifically for daughters of deployed U.S. service members. These scholarships cover a six-day sail during the summer season, allowing eligible applicants to experience the program at no cost or reduced cost, depending on the award. Scholarships help remove financial barriers so that more young women can benefit from the unique combination of seamanship training and leadership development that Sisters Under Sail provides.
Eligibility and application details vary, so applicants and families should consult the organization directly for the most current information. Sisters Under Sail maintains an online presence with application instructions, eligibility criteria, deadlines, and contact information to answer questions about the scholarship process.
Why Sail Training Matters
Sail training programs like Sisters Under Sail offer a distinct environment for growth. The physical and mental demands of managing a tall ship require participants to practice focus, discipline, and perseverance. Tasks must be completed reliably and cooperatively, which reinforces accountability and trust among team members. These experiences are often described by alumni as transformative—skills learned at sea frequently carry over into academics, career readiness, and personal relationships.
For military families, the program can be especially meaningful. Periods of deployment can create transitions and stress within households; summer scholarships give daughters of deployed service members a constructive, empowering opportunity to develop leadership abilities while surrounded by peers and mentors who emphasize encouragement and mutual support.
How to Learn More
Families interested in scholarship opportunities or in learning more about the Sisters Under Sail program should visit the organization’s official site for full details and application instructions: www.sistersundersail.org. The website provides the latest information on program dates, eligibility requirements, and how to apply for summer passages aboard the Unicorn.
Sisters Under Sail’s combination of maritime tradition and intentional leadership instruction creates a rare setting for teen growth. Whether a young woman is drawn to life at sea or seeking an experience that builds confidence and teamwork, the program offers a focused, supportive environment designed to cultivate leadership, resilience, and lifelong skills.