U.S. ocean protection ambassadors
The future sustainability of life on earth and the health of our planet is inextricably linked to the health of our ocean. Global concern regarding environmental degradation and anthropogenic impacts on marine ecosystems has led to urgent calls for countries to meaningfully protect at least 30% of the ocean by 2030 (30x30) to preserve what remains of ocean biodiversity and restore the ocean to abundance. Activating and engaging youth is key to building a durable conservation movement that can move with the speed and audacity needed to transform the future, and EarthEcho International is at the forefront of that work supporting 30x30.
Over the last four years, EarthEcho’s U.S. Ocean Protection Ambassador program has equipped young people with the tools, resources, and support to lead creative campaigns to advance and strengthen community-led marine protected area efforts across the United States. Building on this work and responding to both the opportunities and threats facing marine protected areas in the U.S., the 2026 U.S. Ocean Protection Ambassador program will equip six youth leaders, ages 17-22, with the training, support, and funds to 1) develop and launch campaigns mobilizing community support for key regional marine protected area proposals, protections, and/or enhanced management and 2) collaborate with their peers in the program to defend key environmental laws and ocean protection in the United States.
Through this paid experience Ambassadors will:
- Receive training and support from EarthEcho International to develop and execute a campaign
- Gain mentorship from a network of ocean policy focused organizations
- Participate in an all expenses paid in person program kick-off and advocacy experience at Capitol Hill Ocean Week in Washington D.C. June 1-5, 2026
Key Dates and Details:
- Program duration: May 2026-December 2026
- Compensation: $3,000 USD
- Eligibility: Youth (ages 17-22) based in American Samoa, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawai’i, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, or South Carolina for the duration of the program timeframe.
To apply, review the role description and complete your application by April 29, 2026 at 11:59pm EST
Complete Your ApplicationQuestions about the 2026 U.S. Ocean Protection Ambassador program? Contact EarthEcho International's Director of Youth Engagement, Sean Russell, at srussell@earthecho.org.
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