Future Blue Youth Council

Apply for the 2025 Future Blue Youth Council

Applications are now open for the 2025 Future Blue Youth Council! Apply by November 8th. 

Apply Now!

Use of A.I. creates generic responses that take away from your application’s authenticity. Therefore A.I. responses are strictly prohibited and will bar you from consideration for this Council.

About the Future Blue Youth Council

Bow Seat’s Future Blue Youth Council is a diverse, international group of young people working together to advance Bow Seat’s mission and to empower their peers to advocate for our environment. Council members are paid to serve one-year terms as project managers, advisors, and creative idea generators!

Meet the 2024 Council
What Council Members Do
  • Contribute experience, creativity, and insight to inform, advise, and shape Bow Seat’s educational programming
  • Help expand the reach of Bow Seat’s programs through community outreach, social media, blog writing, and more
  • Support Bow Seat’s by-youth, for-youth environmental grantmaking program, from reviewing applications to mentoring existing projects
  • Contribute to group initiatives
Council Member Perks
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Earn up to $1,200 USD during your one-year term for your contributions and work as a Council member

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Collaborate with and support other youth environmentalists from around the world

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Strengthen communications, teamwork, and critical thinking skills

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Gain experience working with a nonprofit and mentorship from Bow Seat staff

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Connect with leaders in the environmental conservation community

Testimonials

“The Council will always have a special place in my heart. We’re all so different but united in one goal: achieving a green future. Seeing perspectives on environmentalism from many countries inspires me to do as much as I can. All our meetings are always filled with joy and passion  I always look forward to them.”
—Malika Gizzat, 2023 FBYC member

“As an FBYC member, I have learned so much! From meeting with our Fellowship grantees to playing (and winning) ocean-themed virtual games, this has been a very memorable experience. I will definitely miss our monthly council meetings and the many passionate speakers who inspired us with their work!”
—Dhruv Bhatt, 2023 FBYC member

“My favorite memory of the Future Blue Youth Council is when we first met our Fellowship mentees, and I got to learn about the coolest things that they are doing. They have helped me to further my own activism, and they have always been a source of inspiration for me. ”
—Lizzy Duke-Moe, 2022 FBYC member

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Sarah

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Sekai

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E Wen

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Who can apply?

While no specific background experience is required, Council members must have the following qualifications:

  • Between the ages of 16-21 from anywhere around the world
  • Must have participated in one of Bow Seat’s programs (i.e., Ocean Awareness Contest; Fellowship Grant Program; Healthy Whale, Healthy Ocean Challenge; and/or the Marine Debris Creative Advocacy Competition).
  • Interest in and commitment to creativity and environmental conservation
  • Desire to work in collaboration with other Youth Council members as well as Bow Seat staff
  • Excited about learning new things
  • Able to serve a one-year term, attend meetings, and fulfill the expectations of the Council
  • Proficiency in English, both written and verbal
  • Reliable internet connection (If you don’t have access to a reliable internet connection, please email us! We don’t want this to serve as a barrier for your application or, if selected, your service on the Council.)
Application Components
  1. Responses to written questions (we recommend a 250-word limit for each question, but you may use more if needed). We highly recommend that you draft and save your written answers in a separate document, then cut-and-paste them into the online form.
    • What does community mean to you? How do you give back to it?
    • Describe a time when you worked as a team member to accomplish a goal or overcome an obstacle.
    • What is a social or environmental issue you’re passionate about and why? You may respond with a 2-3 minute video or a written statement.
    • What are your personal goals for the Future Blue Youth Council?
    • Given your schoolwork and involvement in extracurricular activities, how will you make time to fulfill your Council responsibilities?
  2. Resume. If you’ve never written one before, check out these tips for writing your first resumé and this template.
  3. Letter of support from a mentor/teacher/coach/counselor (any adult who is not your parent). The letter should be, at most, one double-spaced page, and should include a statement regarding your time management skills and dependability, among your other strengths. This letter can either be uploaded directly with the application or emailed to [email protected]. Asking for a Letter of Support can be a daunting task–this article has great advice for asking a teacher or adult who can speak to how awesome you are. 
  4. Peer letter of support (optional). Check out this article to discover elements of a strong peer recommendation letter.
APPLICATION TIMELINE

 

What’s next?

After you submit your application, you will receive a confirmation email. If you are selected as a finalist for the Council, you will receive an invitation by November 27th for a virtual interview.

If you are not selected as a finalist, it’s a reflection of the limited positions we are able to offer, not of your incredible ability and potential. We encourage you to apply again the following year and engage now in other opportunities in environmental conservation and creative advocacy, some of which can be found on our Opportunities page.

Youth Council members will officially be notified of their selection by December 16th.

Frequently Asked Questions

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Who can apply to the Future Blue Youth Council?

Any person between the ages of 16-21 who has participated in a Bow Seat program is eligible to apply.

I don’t live in the U.S. Can I still apply to the Council?

Yes. This is an international Council and is open to people ages 16-21 worldwide.

I live in the U.S., but I’m not a citizen. Can I still participate?

Yes! You are eligible to participate regardless of your citizenship status. If you have specific questions or concerns, please contact us.

I’m 15 during the application period, but I turn 16 during the Council year. Can I still apply?

Yes!

I’m 21 during the application period, but I turn 22 during the Council year. Can I still apply?

Yes!

Do I have to be enrolled in school to apply?

No.

I don’t think I have enough experience/awards/leadership positions to apply for this Council.

Your application will not be judged on a specific number of awards or leadership positions. We have tried our best to gear the application to learning about who you are as a person and your interest in applying, rather than your accolades or access to opportunities. This Council is a space for members to grow and learn from each other, and to develop leadership experience in a collaborative setting.

I don’t know how to make a resume.

No worries! Use this template. Make a copy of it and fill in your information.

We recognize that those applying are still students or just beginning their professional lives. Creating a resume gives you an opportunity to create–some for the first time–a professional document that can later be workshopped during the Council.

I haven’t participated in a Bow Seat program. Can I still apply?

The Council is only open to Bow Seat alumni. You may participate in the 2025 Ocean Awareness Contest to be eligible for the Council, but you must submit to the 2025 Contest by November 8th (the deadline for the Future Blue Youth Council application).

I’ve participated in Bow Seat’s programs before but didn’t win an award. Can I still apply?

Yes, you are eligible to apply if you have participated in any of Bow Seat’s programs. Winning an award is not an eligibility requirement.

Can I participate in the 2025 Ocean Awareness Contest to be eligible to apply to the Council?

Yes, but you must submit to the 2025 Contest by November 8th, 2024 – the application deadline for the Council.

I’ve participated in the Ocean Awareness Contest, but I do not remember which year. What should I do?

Please contact us here, and select your reason for contacting us as “Future Blue Youth Council.”

Do I need my parents’/guardians’ permission to apply?

If you are between ages 16-18, be sure to obtain your parent’s or legal guardian’s permission before you send any information about yourself (such as your name, email address, etc.) to Bow Seat or anyone else over the internet. If you are under the age of 18, you must provide your parent’s or legal guardian’s contact information on the application. If you are under the age of 18 and selected for the Council, your parent or legal guardian must review, sign, and send a consent form as part of your onboarding for the Council.

How will Council members be selected?

First, each application will be evaluated by the Bow Seat team and members of the current Future Blue Youth Council. Then, applicants will be notified of their status, and finalists will be invited to an interview. After the interviews, we will make the final selections for the 2024 Council.

We want Future Blue to represent a diverse range of communities, ages, and interests. Above all, we are looking for applicants who are enthusiastic, committed, and creative.

When will I be notified?

All applicants will be notified about their status by November 27th. Finalists will be notified if they’re selected for the Council by December 16th.

STIPEND QUESTIONS
Is this a paid opportunity?

Yes! Council members will work on various projects during their one-year term and may earn up to $1,200 USD total for their efforts and contributions.

How often will I be paid?

Council members will be paid quarterly. Every 3 months, members will be compensated for the time they spend participating in meetings and working on projects, at a rate of $20 USD per hour. Each member may earn up to $1,200 USD total during their one-year term.

GENERAL COUNCIL QUESTIONS
How many members will be invited to join the Council?

For the 2025 Council, we are planning on selecting 10-14 members, depending on the quality and quantity of applications we receive.

If I’m selected to serve, what are the dates of my term?

You will serve from January through December 2025.

I was selected for the Council, but something came up and I don’t think I’ll be able to participate anymore. What should I do?

If you’re selected for the Council, you are required to sign a contract confirming your commitment and capacity to participate in the program for a one-year term. If you’re no longer able to fully participate, please let us know ASAP so we can accept another Council member.

What do I need to participate in meetings?

You will need the following:

  • Internet access 
  • An Internet-enabled device (a computer or laptop is preferable, but not necessary)
  • An email address
  • Access to Google Drive
What happens if I’m unable to make a Council meeting?

We expect that you will commit yourself fully to the Council; however, we understand if a conflict arises. If selected, you will be briefed on the Council’s attendance policy.

If I am not selected for the Council this year, can I apply again next year?

Yes! We highly encourage you to re-apply if you’re still eligible.

I have a question that’s not answered in the FAQ section. Where can I ask it?

Please contact us here, and select your reason for contacting us as “Future Blue Youth Council.”