Fully-Funded Ocean Leaders Fellowship | Empowering Future Ocean Advocates

Fully-Funded Ocean Leaders Fellowship: Empowering the Next Generation of Ocean Advocates

The ocean is a crucial lifeline for our planet, yet young leaders often face systemic obstacles that prevent them from actively contributing to ocean conservation. Limited access to opportunities and exclusion from key decision-making processes create barriers for emerging ocean advocates.

To bridge this gap, the Ocean Leaders Fellowship (OLF)—a collaborative initiative by Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) and Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy—offers a fully-funded, annual program designed to support and empower young professionals working towards ocean health and restoration.

The Ocean Leaders Fellowship: A Transformational Opportunity

Each year, 40 outstanding Fellows are selected to participate in a program that provides valuable leadership training, mentorship from industry experts, and opportunities for collaboration with like-minded peers. The Fellowship also grants access to key global events, including the 2025 Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit and the UN Ocean Conference, equipping participants with the skills and network necessary to drive meaningful change.

Beyond amplifying youth voices, the Fellowship prepares its participants to become influential leaders who can advocate for and implement tangible solutions to ocean and climate challenges.

Fellowship Coverage and Benefits

The Ocean Leaders Fellowship is a fully-funded program that covers:

Airfare, accommodation, and visa-related expenses for essential travel.
Skill-building workshops focusing on leadership and storytelling.
Personalized mentorship through SOA’s expert network.
Networking opportunities with policymakers, industry leaders, and fellow ocean advocates.
Hands-on learning experiences at global ocean conferences.

Note: If a Fellow misses a scheduled flight, any additional costs for changes or rebooking will not be covered.

Key Focus Areas: Leadership & Storytelling

The 2025 cohort will emphasize two core competencies essential for ocean leadership:

Leadership Development: Learn to navigate challenges with resilience and confidence, while adopting a values-driven leadership approach.
Storytelling for Impact: Develop compelling narratives that effectively communicate ocean-related issues, inspire action, and influence policy.

Additionally, the program fosters skills in collaboration, cultural competence, and resourcefulness, enabling Fellows to co-create innovative solutions alongside diverse stakeholders, including policymakers and Indigenous communities.

Who Can Apply?

The Ocean Leaders Fellowship is open to passionate individuals who meet the following eligibility criteria:

Age: 18–35 years old by March 1, 2025.
Leadership Experience: Demonstrated commitment to ocean conservation, climate action, or community advocacy.
Time Commitment: Ability to dedicate at least 5 hours per week from March 24 – December 5, 2025.
Language Proficiency: Minimum C1-level English fluency (as per CEFR standards).
Interest in Ocean Sustainability: Engagement in at least one of SOA’s five ocean impact areas:
- Greenhouse Gas Reduction
- Pollution Reduction
- Ecosystems & Species Preservation
- Blue Foods
- Ocean Data, Literacy, & Research
Availability for International Travel: Participation in two key travel periods:
- April 25 – May 1, 2025
- June 6 – 14, 2025
- A valid passport is required. Visa costs and support for expedited processing will be provided.

How to Apply

Interested candidates must submit the following materials by the application deadline:

Completed application form
Essay responses detailing their experience and aspirations
A 2-minute video explaining their motivation for joining the Fellowship
High-resolution professional headshot
Contact information for two references
(Optional) Supporting documents (e.g., articles, portfolios, project materials)

Video Submission Guidelines:

Length: Maximum 2 minutes
Quality: Ensure good lighting, clear audio, and minimal background noise
Content: Explain why you are applying and how the Fellowship aligns with your goals
Format: Upload to YouTube (unlisted/public link) or Vimeo

Important Dates

Application Deadline: February 23, 2025 (11:59 PM PST)
Program Duration: March 24 – December 5, 2025
Key Travel Dates: April – June 2025

Note: Individuals who have previously attended the Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit or UN Ocean Conference Youth & Innovation Forum are not eligible for this Fellowship.

Join the 2025 Ocean Leaders Fellowship

Are you passionate about ocean conservation and ready to create a lasting impact? The Ocean Leaders Fellowship provides young changemakers with the tools, mentorship, and global platform needed to drive meaningful change.

Apply today and become part of a movement dedicated to protecting and restoring our ocean!

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to Scholarship at Uniplus Global to apply