AF Guide Right Youth Scuba Diver Program
Creating pathways for young men to explore scuba diving, STEM education, leadership development, and environmental stewardship through PADI certification and hands-on underwater experiences.
Why Scuba Matters
The AF Guide Right Youth Scuba Diver Program was created to introduce young men to opportunities that have historically been inaccessible to many communities. Through scuba diving, participants gain confidence, develop leadership skills, explore STEM concepts, and build lifelong memories.
Participants learn:
✓ Confidence and self-discipline
✓ Teamwork and communication
✓ Marine and environmental awareness
✓ Problem-solving under pressure
✓ STEM applications in real-world environments
✓ Scuba diving skills that can last a lifetime
Watch: Become A PADI Open Water Diver
Learn what it takes to become a certified scuba diver and what students can expect throughout the training process.
The Journey to Certification
step 1
Knowledge Development
Complete PADI Open Water Diver eLearning at your own pace and learn the fundamentals of scuba diving.
step 2
Pool Training
Practice essential scuba skills in a controlled environment at Gallaudet University with certified instructors.
step 3
Open Water Certification
Complete four open-water dives at Lake Phoenix and earn your PADI Open Water Diver Certification.
Program Requirements
Minimum age: 10
Swim 200 meters unassisted
Tread water for 10 minutes
Complete required medical documentation
Parent/Guardian participation and forms required
The First Cohort Made History
In 2024-2025, the Alexandria-Fairfax Alumni Chapter launched the first youth scuba diving program of its kind within Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
Five youth participants, along with two fathers, completed their PADI Open Water Diver Certification and became the foundation for future generations of divers.
Scuba Opens Doors Beyond the Water
Science
Explore marine biology, ecology, and environmental conservation.
Technology
Learn how dive computers, underwater cameras, and modern scuba equipment work.
Engineering
Understand the systems and design behind life-support equipment and underwater robotics.
Mathmatics
Apply real-world calculations for dive planning, navigation, depth, and air consumption.
Additional Opportunities
Diving With A Purpose
Jr. Scientists in the Sea
Advanced PADI Certifications
Environmental Conservation Programs
Our Partners & Dive Community
Blue Planet Scuba
Underwater Adventure Seekers
Aqua Corps
National Association of Black Scuba Divers
Meet the Program Lead
Ernest "Mark" Williams
Program Chairman | PADI Certified Diver
Since earning his first scuba certification in 2015, Ernest “Mark” Williams has completed more than 260 dives throughout the United States and Caribbean, including dive experiences in the Bahamas, Belize, Bonaire, Curacao, Grand Cayman, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Florida, California, and the Philippines. What began as a personal passion for diving has evolved into a mission to introduce young people to opportunities that can expand their confidence, education, and view of the world.
Mark holds numerous advanced diving certifications, including Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, Nitrox Diver, Deep Diver, Wreck Diver, Peak Performance Buoyancy, Master Scuba Diver, and Divemaster certifications. He is also certified as an Emergency First Responder in CPR and AED and regularly participates in advanced safety and recovery training through Aqua Corps.
As Chairman of the AF Guide Right Youth Scuba Diver Program, Mark is committed to creating pathways for young men to experience the underwater world while developing leadership skills, environmental awareness, personal responsibility, and an appreciation for STEM-related career opportunities. His goal is simple: ensure that every participant understands that opportunities in scuba diving, marine science, conservation, and exploration are available to them—and that they belong in those spaces.
Ernest "Mark" Williams
Program Chairman | PADI Certified Diver
Ready to Start Your Scuba Journey?
Join a program designed to build confidence, leadership, and lifelong skills while earning your PADI Open Water Diver Certification.