OCEAN LEADERS FELLOWSHIP 

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The Ocean Leaders Fellowship (OLF) Program empowers and supports exceptional young professionals in their efforts to protect and restore the health of our ocean.

APPLY TO THE FELLOWSHIP

2025 Application Deadline: February 23, 2025

Introducing the Fellowship

The Challenge:

The ocean is our lifeline. And the next generation of ocean leaders is inheriting the responsibility to protect it. Yet systemic barriers—such as limited opportunities and exclusion from critical decision-making spaces—often prevent young leaders from contributing their expertise and advancing their careers.

The Solution:

The Ocean Leaders Fellowship (OLF), developed by Sustainable Ocean Alliance in partnership with Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy, is an annual program designed to support and empower exceptional young professionals in their efforts to protect and restore the health of our ocean. 

In this program, 40 selected Fellows will be given the opportunity to develop critical skills as leaders in the ocean sector. The program curriculum includes skill development workshops, expert mentorship, collaboration opportunities with peers, and attendance at the 2025 Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit and UN Ocean Conference.

This Fellowship goes beyond amplifying youth voices. It prepares Fellows to lead with confidence and the tools necessary to champion meaningful, lasting change for the ocean and climate.

1.27.25 OLF

About the Program

Empowering the Next Generation of Ocean Leaders

 

The Ocean Leaders Fellowship empowers the next generation of Ocean Leaders by offering online training and in-person experiences focused on these essential skills:

  • Leadership: Learn to navigate complex challenges with resilience and purpose, embracing values-driven leadership.

  • Storytelling: Master the art of creating compelling narratives that inspire action, engage communities, and influence decision-makers

  • Collaboration & Cultural Competence: Build skills to co-create inclusive, culturally sensitive solutions with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers and Indigenous communities.

  • Resourcefulness: Hone your ability to innovate, secure funding, and manage responsibilities effectively while staying adaptable to change.

The 2025 Cohort will focus specifically on developing Leadership & Storytelling skills.

Fellowship Benefits

As a Fellow, you will:

  • Skill Development Workshops: Participate in interactive workshops focusing on two key skill areas critical for emerging ocean leaders.

  • Personalized Mentorship: Be paired with a mentor from SOA’s network of 250+ experts to guide your professional growth.

  • Engage in Global Ocean Events: Represent youth voices at the Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit and UN Ocean Conference, where you’ll connect with global stakeholders, collaborate with fellow leaders, and apply your newly developed skills to real-life situations.

  • Personal Development & Action Planning: Synthesize your learnings into a practical roadmap for your next steps in ocean and climate leadership.

Join the 2025 OLF Cohort

 

Are you ready to make a lasting impact for the ocean and climate?

The Ocean Leaders Fellowship is your opportunity to gain essential skills, connect with global changemakers, and lead with confidence.

 

2025 Program Details

The 2025 OLF Cohort will run from March 24 to December 5, 2025 with an emphasis on Leadership & Storytelling.

International travel will be required for select dates from April-June 2025.

Individuals aged 18-35 are welcome to apply. We encourage applications from individuals of all identities, geographies, and backgrounds.

 

Application Period

Opens: February 5, 2025

Closes: February 23, 2025 at 11:59pm PST

APPLY TO THE FELLOWSHIP

 

Please note: Individuals who previously attended the Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit

or the UN Ocean Conference Youth & Innovation Forum are not eligible for this Fellowship.

 

Have questions? Visit the Fellowship FAQ here.