Opportunities
One of the most common questions we are asked by our program participants is: How can I stay involved? This space is an evolving answer to that question, and provides opportunities for you to dive deeper into ocean science and conservation, connect with other young creatives and activists, and showcase your research or campaign at global events.
EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES* 🔎
*This list is by no means exhaustive; you should explore opportunities at your local aquariums, science centers, community arts organizations, and universities.
Have a resource or event to share? Contact us.
Volunteer, Internship & Employment Opportunities
COLLEGE STUDENTS +
California
Florida
- Coral Restoration Foundation: Coral Conservation and Reef Restoration Internship (September 7-December 19) – Deadline: June 29
- REEF: Fall Marine Conservation Internship (August 31-December 18) – Deadline: July 12
- Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center: Animal Care Intern
- Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center: Education Intern
- Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center: Scientific Research and Conservation Intern
- Reef Relief Internships
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center: Various Internships
Maine
Massachusetts
- Mass Poetry: Program Assistant Internship (Fall) – Deadline: July 15
- Mass Poetry: Development Assistant Internship (Fall) – Deadline: July 15
- New England Aquarium Internships & Volunteer Opportunities
North Carolina
- North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island Internships (Fall) – Deadline: July 15 for Fall
Washington
United States
- This is Zero Hour: Social Media Team
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Citizen Science Volunteer Opportunities
International
- Central Caribbean Marine Institute: Coral Reef Education Internship (Cayman Islands) – Deadline: July 1 for Winter; October 1 for Spring 2021
- Common Tides: Marine Science Expedition Internship/Volunteer Opportunity (July 1-26, U.S. Virgin Islands)
- Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation: Various Internships (Greece)
MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Florida
Massachusetts
United States
Educational Opportunities: Beyond the Classroom
COLLEGE STUDENTS +
Alaska
- Alaska Coastal Summer Institute (Summer 2021)
- Kenai Peninsula College, University of Alaska, Kachemak Bay Campus: Semester by the Bay (Spring 2021)
Washington
- University of Washington College of the Environment: Friday Harbor Laboratories Autumn Courses (September 29-December 11) – Deadline: July 1
International
- The School for Field Studies: Environmental Study Abroad Programs
- Cape Eleuthera Institute: Gap Year (Bahamas)
MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Maine
Massachusetts
Washington
- Deep Green Wilderness: Learn to Sail and Study Whales (Summer) – Deadline: July 1
- Port Townsend Marine Science Center: Summer Camps
United States
International
- The Island School: Fall, Spring, or Summer Academic Terms (South Eleuthera, Bahamas)
- Marine Science & Nautical Training Academy: Field Studies in Coral Reef Biology (British Virgin Islands)
Campaigns, Conferences & Events
International
- International Coral Reef Symposium: Youth Leaders Workshop (Germany, July 18-23, 2021)
Contests, Grants & Scholarships
Massachusetts
- Radical Imagination for Racial Justice: Grants for Artists or Color – Deadline: July 8
- Woods Hole Sea Grant and Earthwatch Institute: Girls in Science Fellowship (August 8-15)
United States
- 53-Word Story Contest – Deadline: 21st day of each month
- Hunter’s Fund Grant, supporting young people (16-25) who have demonstrated talent, experience, and passion in music, entrepreneurship, performing arts, or computer science – Deadline: November 15
- Youth Making Ripples 2021 Film Competition
- Green Community Connections: One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest – Deadline: January 5, 2021
- National Ocean Sciences Bowl
International
- University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science: Underwater Photo Contest – Deadline: August 3
- Breakout Film Festival: Monthly Short Film Contest – Deadline: Last day of each month
- Youth Service America: Everyday Young Hero
- Greening Forward: Earth Savers Club Grants
- Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Youth-Led Initiatives & Leadership Opportunities
- Alliance for Climate Education: Action Fellowships (Florida, Ohio, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin) – Deadline: July 20
- Our Climate: “Put a Price On It” Action Team – Join a network of volunteers who are working to advocate for fair and effective carbon pricing policy. You’ll be added to the listserv for occasional updates, included in the Facebook group, and have the opportunity to work on the most important climate fight of our time.
- Project Green Schools: Youth Leadership Council – National Youth Council students are difference-makers who are invited to participate in important environmental regional, national, and world events.
- SEVENSEAS Media University Student Ocean Ambassadors – One ambassador (or team of ambassadors) per university will be responsible for hosting an ocean-themed event on campus each month to spread the word about ocean conservation and sustainable tourism.
- Sunrise Movement – A movement to stop climate change and create millions of good jobs in the process.
- Survey for the House Select Committee on Climate Crisis – Schools for Climate Action and the National Children’s Campaign are working with the House Select Committee on Climate Crisis to collect data and stories from youth climate activists.
- Sustainable Ocean Alliance’s Ocean Leadership Program – Be part of one of the world’s largest network of ocean advocates, joining forces with young leaders taking action in over 140 countries.
- ThinkOcean: Upper Leadership Team – ThinkOcean is an international network of young environmentalists that has more than 40 chapters in 8 different countries. It is searching for college and high school students with a passion for the environment to help organize initiatives such as legislative lobbying, grassroots organizing, awareness campaigns, and hands-on conservation initiatives. Read more about its work and fill out this form to apply.
- US Youth Climate Strike State Lead – Become a State Lead to help build the people power needed to stop climate change by being part of the grassroots movement taking on the fossil fuel industry.
- Zero Hour: Education Campaign Ambassador – Spread the word of Zero Hour and its work around climate and environmental justice in your communities and in your schools.
Youth Art & Writing Communities
