NOAA Teen Ocean Ambassadors -Applications Open
Is your teenager interested in the ocean? The environment, marine biology, or stewardship? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has a program called Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassador that is currently accepting applications for its 2026 Cohort. Applications are due January 4th, and are open to teens from 13 to 18. The program runs from January through December with monthly virtual meetings.
What is an Ocean Guardian?
In simple terms, an Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassador is a young person who steps up for the sea. NOAA’s program highlights teens who care about the ocean, learn what is harming it, and raise awareness and take action in their communities. Teens will learn how to lead a project or event at their school or in their community that supports ocean conservation and stewardship.
According to NOAA, “If accepted, you will gain access to toolkits, presentations, opportunities, and guidance from NOAA scientists, science communicators, and other experts. Youth Ambassadors are part of a nationwide network of young people who share ideas, experiences, and support for ocean conservation and stewardship efforts.”
If this sounds interesting and you want to know more, you can read more about past Youth Ambassadors and their projects here. You can also download and print a flyer for your school here.
Ocean Guardian Real Life Skills
If accepted, this program offers real-world skills that teens can carry into young adulthood.
Public speaking: Sharing their project with a class, club, or community group.
Project planning: Figuring out what they need for a clean-up, who to invite, and when to hold it.
Science and observation: Noticing what washes up on the beach, which birds are around, or how tides move trash.
Teamwork and leadership: Working with friends, siblings, teachers, and local groups.
Communication: Making simple flyers, posting updates with a parent’s help, or talking with adults about their ideas.
These skills help with school projects, part-time jobs, and everyday life. In a small town like Westport, where people often wear many hats, a program like this could help a local teen become a dynamic leader. If you have any questions about the program, you can email them to sanctuary.education@noaa.gov.
If your teen applies and makes it into the 2026 cohort, I would love to hear about it!