Bow Seat’s True Blue Fellowship

Scholarship Sponsored by Bow Seat Creative Action for Conservation

Program Overview

This Fellowship supports youth-led projects that address ocean, waterways, and climate issues through the creative arts. Applicants should review the Fellowship’s rules, eligibility requirements, and objectives before applying to ensure their project aligns with program priorities. While AI tools may be used for background research, every application response must be the applicant’s original work; submissions found to contain AI-generated answers will be disqualified. Applications must be completed in English, and applicants should be comfortable with spoken English for cohort interactions.

Description: A youth-focused Fellowship that funds and supports arts-based projects aimed at safeguarding the ocean, waterways, and climate.

Original Work Policy: AI may assist research and learning, but all written application content must be original and authored by the applicant.

• Fellowship centers on creative-arts approaches to environmental issues.
• Applicants may use AI for research but not for drafting application responses.
• Applications must be submitted in English and applicants should handle spoken English for collaboration.

Rules & Eligibility

The program is open to individuals worldwide aged 16–24, and accepts applications from individuals, groups, or organizations. Projects must be new or emerging (no older than two years), use the creative arts as the primary method for change, and relate directly to protecting the ocean, waterways, or climate. Groups or organizations older than two years may apply only if the proposed project is less than two years old. Only one application per youth is permitted; however, youth may apply to other Bow Seat programs.

Eligibility: Open to applicants ages 16–24 worldwide; proof of age, identity, or eligibility may be requested after submission.

Project Requirements: Projects must be arts-based, focused on ocean/waterways/climate issues, and newly established (project age ≤ 2 years). If applying as a group or organization, designate one project leader as the Fellow and primary contact.

• Target applicants: ages 16–24 worldwide.
• Projects must primarily use the creative arts and address ocean, waterways, or climate issues.
• Project must be no older than two years; organizational age is permitted if project meets the two-year rule.
• One application per youth; groups must name a single project leader.

Selection and Disclaimers

Applications are reviewed by a selection committee whose decisions are final. Submissions are evaluated on alignment with program goals, demonstrated issue knowledge, thoughtfulness, realistic goals (including an appropriate budget and timeline), and likelihood of measurable impact. Selected Fellows and their adult sponsor (if under 18) will be notified by email before any public announcement and must return signed eligibility and publicity releases within five business days. Fellows must participate in cohort activities, submit periodic reports, and agree to allow Bow Seat to use project materials for promotional purposes.

Selection Process: Evaluation focuses on alignment with Fellowship goals, knowledge of the issue, thoughtfulness of approach, realistic planning, and measurable impact potential.

Notification & Requirements: Fellows will receive advance email notification, must complete and return an Affidavit of Eligibility/Liability Release (and publicity release where lawful) within five business days, and minors require a parent/guardian signature.

Fellow Commitments: Fellows are expected to collaborate with peers and Bow Seat staff (monthly calls, WhatsApp check-ins), submit quarterly reports (including mid-year and end-of-year), help produce a project blog post, and attend a virtual orientation on Saturday, January 9, 2026, plus monthly cohort meetings and workshops.

• Selection committee decisions are final and based on explicit evaluation criteria.
• Notification requires timely completion of eligibility and publicity releases; minors need guardian signatures.
• Fellows must participate in regular peer collaboration, reporting, and an orientation on January 9, 2026.
• Bow Seat may use Fellows’ work for marketing; the organization commits to fair and ethical administration.