Five Reasons You Should Sponsor a Student in Bow Seat’s Competition
January 20, 2017Are you looking for an engaging and meaningful way to bring ocean pollution issues to life with your students? Do you want to help your students build ocean literacy skills through a hands-on and creative project?
You should sponsor students in Bow Seat’s Marine Debris Creative Advocacy Competition!
U.S. students in grades 6-12 are challenged to design and carry out a project on a school’s campus or in the local community that uses the creative arts to: educate the public about marine debris, inspire people to change their behavior, and engage them in activities that reduce or prevent marine debris. The Competition isn’t limited to coastal communities – how does litter impact the waterways in your region?
We have a couple ideas – but what are yours?
- Create an educational mural or storm drain public art campaign in your town
- Work with your cafeteria and facilities teams to find and use more sustainable options than single-use takeout containers on campus
- Host a marine debris education art show, film screening, or lecture series with an opening reception in your town or school – Bow Seat can even provide the artwork and films!
Students can earn awards up to $5,000. The Competition is perfect for green teams, marine science or sustainability clubs, Scout troops, honor society members, or any ocean-loving teens that you know. Students can work as individuals or a group of unlimited size as long as they have an adult sponsor (you?!). Learn more >
Still not convinced? Here are five reasons we think you should participate:
1. You’ll make a difference for our oceans and watersheds – Now more than ever, our oceans need a voice to ensure their healthy future. By educating students about the challenges facing our oceans and inspiring them to take action, you are helping to create the next generation of ocean caretakers – starting in your own school and community.
2. You’ll empower your students with critical skills – This Competition is a great opportunity for students to build communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity skills, as well as deepen their understanding of the marine debris problem while making a real difference at their schools and in their communities. By helping them to harness their passion, energy, and optimism, you will show them that they can do amazing things.
3. You’ll make learning relevant … and fun! – This Competition is based on the growing understanding that combining skills from the creative arts with experiential, or project-based, learning is an extremely effective way to spark passion and action. When students do, they are more engaged and invested in their work, and learning becomes fun and more permanent.
4. You’ll earn bragging rights – By participating in a national Competition supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program, you will be a part of a group of educators and leaders that are committed to promoting innovation and creating positive change for healthy communities and environments. The Bow Seat team will help winning groups share their messages far and wide – so don’t be surprised if you get attention from local media!
5. You can earn cash awards – Students can nominate their awesome sponsors (that’s you) for $750 Sponsor Appreciation Awards. Go on: treat yo’ self! You deserve it.
Visit bowseat.org to learn more and get started. Once you and your students have a project idea in mind, register online. Registration is easy and takes less than 10 minutes. We ask for basic contact information, a brief project description, and a signed letter of commitment by the students’ sponsor (letter template provided).
Questions? Email us anytime at [email protected]
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“Students get a chance to change the world.”