Ocean Conservation Leaders
Join an Online Teen Leadership Program with the Largest Marine Mammal Hospital in the World
Ocean Conservation Leaders is a virtual leadership program for high school students to gather and build a community around their passion for marine science.
The leadership program will amplify youth advocacy and agency by creating a community-oriented space for the discussion around ocean conservation and climate change. This is a safe, open space for teenagers to learn how to cultivate optimism as we grapple with complex issues and transform passion into action. We hope that we can all learn from one another in order to strive for truly effective change and holistic conservation solutions.
We welcome high school students from around the world with any level of marine science knowledge or experience with ocean conservation, and strongly encourage those that are new to these topics to apply. All we ask is that you are passionate about the ocean!
Time Commitment and Cost
Every Tuesday at 4-5:30pm PT
This leadership program will require two to three hours per week, with 90 minutes being our weekly Tuesday meeting and the rest of the time going toward resource readings, forums, feedback or surveys.
Membership fee: $75
The membership fee is due upon acceptance into the program, but there are scholarships available. It is free to apply.
Qualifications & Expectations
- Be a high school student, including home school, in grades 9-12 for spring and winter sessions, or a rising 9th-12th grader for the summer session
- Have reliable access to a computer or tablet, internet and Zoom
- Be excited to connect with other ocean enthusiasts and passionate about learning marine science
- Do your best to be present for all meetings, as this leadership program aims to build a strong community
- Acknowledge and value the varied experiences we all bring to the program, and therefore hold space and listen to others with differing opinions as we navigate discussions
Apply for the Leadership Program
Spring session: January-April • Summer session: June-August • Fall session: September-December
Applications are open now for the fall session of Ocean Conservation Leaders and are due by August 22. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will serve as a means for program staff to get to know participants and develop leadership content relative to their interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can't pay the fee?
What if I can't pay the fee?
We do have some scholarship funds available. Please contact us at learn@tmmc.org for more information.
Can I still apply if I don't have a strong background in marine science?
Can I still apply if I don't have a strong background in marine science?
Please do! Ocean Conservation Leaders is a space dedicated to teenagers wanting to build community with their peers who are passionate about ocean conservation and marine science. We welcome all levels of knowledge and experience to join the club!
Is it mandatory that I attend every meeting?
Is it mandatory that I attend every meeting?
We understand things come up unexpectedly and you might have to miss a meeting. We ask that you communicate with us if you do have to miss a meeting, and that you miss no more than one a month in order to maintain enrollment in the program.
How many people will be participating in the leadership program?
How many people will be participating in the leadership program?
We are accepting up to 40 members.
What if I don’t get accepted for the first session?
What if I don’t get accepted for the first session?
There is an option when you apply to submit your application for multiple sessions. If you don’t get accepted into the upcoming session, we will consider your application for the following session.
Will I be able to volunteer directly with marine mammals?
Will I be able to volunteer directly with marine mammals?
No, this is a leadership opportunity for teenagers from varying locations to gather in a virtual space. If you’re a teenager interested in volunteering with our marine mammals, check out our Youth Crew program. (Please note that we are not currently accepting Youth Crew applications due to COVID-19.)
I want to get involved, but I’m not available every Tuesday.
I want to get involved, but I’m not available every Tuesday.
Check out our Stewardship Saturday program for more opportunities with no commitment!
More Questions?
Contact us at learn@tmmc.org.