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. Applications for the 2026 cohort will open June 1st, 2025 and close on September 1st, 2025 at 11:59PM EDT.

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Rules & Eligibility

Who May Enter

  • This program is open to young people worldwide ages 13-24; however, applications must be in English.
  • Proof of age, identity, or eligibility may be required after application submission.
  • Applications may be submitted by an individual or by a group of unlimited size. Groups must select one group leader to serve as the primary contact. 
  • Projects may be new or emerging (no older than 2 years).
  • 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 supporters 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) mentors, Bow Seat staff, and partners.
    • This includes calls at least once a month with FBYC mentors 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 mentors with developing a blog post about the project.
  • Fellows agree to participate in a virtual weekend orientation on Saturday, January 3rd 2026, cohort meetings every month, and capacity building workshops.
  • Bow Seat and the Future Blue Youth Council reserve the right to use Fellows’ work for marketing and promotional purposes in any and all media.
  • Bow Seat and the Future Blue Youth Council promise to administer the Fellowship fairly, ethically, and with integrity.

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