Opportunities
Student Artist: Malie Kozlowski
One of the most common questions we are asked by our students 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.
Student Artist: Malie Kozlowski
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 Summer Internship (May 10-August 27) –Â Deadline: February 26
- Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center Internships
- Reef Relief Internships
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center Internships
Maryland
- NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries: Constituent & Legislative Affairs Volunteer Internship
Massachusetts
Michigan
- Michigan Sea Grant Environmental Internship –Â Deadline: March 1
Rhode Island
- 11th Hour Racing Summer Internships (Marketing & Public Relations, Grantmaking & Research, Sponsorship) – Deadline: February 12
Washington
United States
- NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries: Destination Marketing/Communications for Ocean Recreation & Tourism Volunteer Internship (Remote)
- This is Zero Hour: Social Media Team
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Citizen Science Volunteer Opportunities
International
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
Colorado
United States
- Ocean Protection Advocacy Kids: The Blue Crew, a place where students in 5th-8th grade learn, explore, create, and become curious about the ocean; activities include science experiments, art lessons and nature hikes (virtual for now) – Begins January 26th
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
- High School Marine Science Symposium (March 15-19, Massachusetts), a week-long event where organizations from across Massachusetts share their work to protect the ocean and paths to a career in marine science
- Ocean Institute: Virtual Marine and Environmental Science College Fair (March 27), a free event that will give high schools students the opportunity to learn about educational programs in the areas of marine and environmental sciences directly from colleges and universities
- Power Shift Convergence 21 (April 16-18), 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
- One Earth Film Fest (March 5-14)
- International Coral Reef Symposium: Youth Leaders Workshop (Germany, July 18-23)
Contests, Grants & Scholarships
United States
- Cool Science: Art Competition on Extreme Weather – Deadline: January 29
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship – Deadline: February 1
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: EPP/MSI Undergraduate Scholarship –Â Deadline: February 1
- President’s Environmental Youth Award, recognizes outstanding environmental projects by K-12 youth – Deadline: February 19
- Youth Making Ripples 2021 Film Competition – Deadline: March 15
- 53-Word Story Contest – Deadline: 21st day of each month
- National Ocean Sciences Bowl
International
- 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
- Sylvia Earle Ocean Conservation Award honors filmmakers whose stories honor people working to protect the world’s oceans – Deadline: March 1
- North American Marine Environment Protection Association Student Art Contest invites poster submissions that creatively depicts the vital role seafarers play in global shipping –Â Deadline: March 31
- Boat U.S. Foundation: Recast & Recycle Contest, a competition to reward the best ideas on how to make recycling of fishing line and soft bait more efficient, more attractive and more accessible –Â Deadline: May 14
- Breakout Film Festival: Monthly Short Film Contest –Â Deadline: Last day of each month
- Something or Other Publishing: Open Call for Short Story Submissions
- MY HERO Contests, opoprtunities to share your art, poems, films, songs, or stories about a hero with a global community
- Youth Service America: Everyday Young Hero
- Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
Youth-Led Initiatives & Leadership Opportunities
- EarthEcho International: Ocean Echo 30×30 – Host an educational event in your community to join other youth from around the world in helping to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 through education/outreach, coastal habitat restoration, and policy action.
- FXB Climate Advocates – Join a group of young people who are passionate and committed to climate change: engage with peers, interact with activists, and launch individual or joint advocacy projects.
- 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 –Â 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:Â 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
