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
- REEF Marine Conservation Spring 2021 Internship (January 11-May 14) – Deadline: November 1
- Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center Internships
- Reef Relief Internships
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center Internships
Maine
Massachusetts
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: October 1 for Spring 2021
- Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation Internships (Greece)
MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
United States
Educational Opportunities: Beyond the Classroom
COLLEGE STUDENTS +
Alaska
- Kenai Peninsula College, University of Alaska, Kachemak Bay Campus: Semester by the Bay (Spring 2021)
International
- The School for Field Studies: Environmental Study Abroad Programs
- Cape Eleuthera Institute: Gap Year (Bahamas)
MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
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
United States
- Power Shift Convergence 21 (April 16-18, 2021), New Orleans: A space for youth activists to get trained on critical skills and grow powerful campaigns for climate, environmental, and social justice for the coming decade, with a focus on the impacts of structural oppression such as environmental racism and the effects of climate disasters, particularly in low-income communities and communities of color
International
- The Wild Center: Youth Have Power: Plugging Into Climate Action Event Series (kicks off September 29)
- Project Green Challenge (October 1-30)
- 2020 Youth Ocean Conservation Summit (Virtual, December 5)
- International Coral Reef Symposium: Youth Leaders Workshop (Germany, July 18-23, 2021)
Contests, Grants & Scholarships
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
- PangeaSeed Foundation: Vote the Environment, a global get-out-the-vote campaign that calls on artists and creatives to create artworks that inspire voters to cast their ballots with the welfare of the planet and people in mind – Deadline: November 2
- Science Without Borders Challenge: The Magic of Mangroves, a competition that inspires students to be creative while promoting public awareness of the need to preserve, protect, and restore the world’s oceans and aquatic resources – Deadline: March 1, 2021
- 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
- World Oceans Day Youth Advisory Council – Help develop World Oceans Day into a unique opportunity to connect and unite youth and others around our blue planet, with a focus on action for a healthier ocean and more sustainable society. Application deadline: October 2
- 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
