Across Canada, young people are diving into ocean conservation through Ocean Wise youth programs that provide hands-on opportunities to protect and restore marine environments. From full-time and part-time service programs to innovative microgrant opportunities, these initiatives empower participants aged 15 to 30 to grow their skills, expand their ideas and build lasting networks of ocean advocates.
Ocean Action Grant: helping youth lead change
One of Ocean Wise’s newer youth programs, the Ocean Action Grant, is a microgrant that funds individual or collaborative three-month projects. This program gives youth the resources to design and lead initiatives that make a tangible difference in their communities and for the environment. Participants receive financial support and guidance from marine conservation experts, enabling them to transform bold ideas into impactful action.
“The Ocean Action Grant gives youth everything they need to turn passion into action,” says Brittany MacLean, Youth Manager at Ocean Wise. “There’s funding, coaching and tools to make real conservation projects happen. Whether it’s a workshop or new ocean education resources, this grant lets youth lead change in their own communities.”
Projects range from shoreline cleanups and plastic reduction campaigns to educational workshops and research initiatives. The program is designed to meet youth where they are in supporting first-time project leaders, as well as experienced community organizers looking to scale their efforts.
Last summer, while camping along Stave Lake, Jamie Chen saw firsthand how remote shorelines were littered with trash and felt inspired to take action.
“With the support of the Ocean Action Grant, I organized two unique shoreline cleanups along the Indian Arm, targeting shorelines that are only accessible by water,” says Chen. “It was powerful to realize that we had prevented this waste from inevitably ending up in our waterways. We all left feeling inspired to do more, knowing that our small actions can make a tangible difference for the ocean.”
Learning from experts, building a national network
Ocean Wise programs do more than provide funding. Youth participants gain mentorship from scientists, environmental leaders and experienced project managers, helping them understand complex marine issues and learn how to address them locally. Whether working full-time in immersive service programs, participating part-time while balancing school or work or using microgrants to power a community project, participants are connected to a growing national network of peers committed to protecting the ocean.
Rachel Baker produced Hope for the Humpbacks, a documentary sharing the past, present and future of B.C. 's humpback whales through diverse voices across the coast.
“The Ocean Action Grant allowed me to dive into being a film producer,” says Baker. “I’ve been able to connect with new communities, share stories from Indigenous Knowledge holders and scientists and highlight many ways to protect our ocean.”
Through shared training sessions, digital workshops and national events, participants see themselves not only as community leaders but as part of a Canada-wide movement of ocean champions.
Empowering ambassadors for the ocean
The ultimate goal of these programs is to empower young people to become lifelong ambassadors for the ocean. As participants learn from experts and lead their own initiatives, they gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to educate others and inspire further action.
Through her project, Sarah Gutzmann is creating a photo essay to showcase how people across B.C. connect with kelp, recognizing its cultural, ecological and social significance.
“The Ocean Action Grant empowered me to bridge art and science to protect the ocean,” says Gutzmann. “This support gave me the freedom to launch a creative project rarely funded in science—and it’s a vital launching pad for the next generation of ocean advocates.”
By fostering leadership, providing resources and creating opportunities for collaboration, Ocean Wise is helping to ensure that Canada’s next generation is prepared to protect the ocean for decades to come.
“Youth aren’t just the future—they’re solving problems right now,” adds MacLean. “We need all hands on deck to support our ocean and youth are already leading the way.”
The Ocean Wise Ocean Action Grant is now accepting applications from Canadian youth aged 15 to 30. Individuals or groups can apply for up to $5,000 in funding to support projects that promote positive environmental change. The deadline to apply is Sept. 8. More information and to apply visit ocean.org/learn-explore/youth-programs/ocean-action-grant.
DISCLAIMER: The Ocean Action Grant Program is fully funded in part by Canada Service Corps, a national movement that empowers youth aged 15–30 to gain experience and build important skills while giving back to their community. The opinions and interpretations in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Canada.
