Bow Seat’s True Blue Fellowship
We admire that you want to tackle an ocean, waterways, and/or climate change issue in your community, and we’re excited to learn more about your project idea! The first step to a successful application is to familiarize yourself with the Fellowship’s rules, eligibility requirements, and objectives.
Apply Now
Applications are due by August 30th at 11:59pm
Important: You may use AI to help learn about a topic or conduct research, but all application responses must be your own original work. Any application found to contain AI-generated answers will be disqualified.
Rules & Eligibility
Who May Enter
- This program is open to young people worldwide ages 16-24.
- Applications must be submitted in English. Translation tools such as Google Translate may be used for the written application. Because the Fellowship includes discussions and collaboration with peers from around the world, applicants should be comfortable communicating in spoken English.
- Proof of age, identity, or eligibility may be required after application submission.
- Applications may be submitted by an individual, group, or organization.
- If applying as a group or organization, please designate one project leader to serve as the Fellow and primary point of contact.
- Projects may be new or emerging (no older than 2 years).
- Organizations or groups older than two years may apply if the proposed project is less than two years old.
- Projects utilize the creative arts as its primary method to enact change.
- Projects are related to safeguarding the ocean, waterways, and/or the climate.
- Only one application per youth is permitted. However, youth may submit to other Bow Seat programs such as the Ocean Awareness Contest.
Selection and Disclaimers
- Decisions of the selection committee members are final.
- Applications will be evaluated based on how well the project:
- Aligns with the Fellowship Program’s goals;
- Demonstrates issue knowledge;
- Is thoughtful in its approach;
- Is realistic in its goals (which includes the demonstration of an appropriate budget and timeline); and
- Is likely to result in measurable impacts.
- Selected Fellows and their Adult Sponsor (if under 18) will be notified via email before they are publicly announced by Bow Seat.
- Fellows will be required to verify their eligibility by completing, signing, and returning an Affidavit of Eligibility/Liability Release, and, where lawful, a Publicity Release within five (5) business days of attempted notification.
- Fellows under 18 years of age must have their parent/legal guardian sign and complete the Affidavit of Eligibility/Liability Release and, where lawful, the Publicity Release on their behalf.
- Fellows agree to work closely with Future Blue Youth Council (FBYC) peers, Bow Seat staff, and partners.
- This includes calls at least once a month with FBYC peers as well as informal check-ins via an online WhatsApp chat community, and emails when required. Fellows are expected to respond promptly to all communications.
- Fellows will be required to submit quarterly reports including a mid-year and end-of-year report that detail project updates, successes, key learnings, and expenses incurred.
- Fellows will support their Future Blue Youth Council peers with developing a blog post about the project.
- Fellows agree to participate in a virtual weekend orientation on Saturday, January 9th, 2026, as well as cohort meetings every month, and capacity building workshops.
- Bow Seat reserves the right to use Fellows’ work for marketing and promotional purposes in any and all media.
- Bow Seat promises to administer the Fellowship fairly, ethically, and with integrity.