Marine PlasticS Ambassadors
Building a pathway of leadership and professional opportunities for young ocean conservation leaders is key to eliminating plastic pollution and restoring the ocean to health and abundance.
EarthEcho International, in partnership with SC Johnson, invites young leaders (ages 18–22) from across the United States to apply for the 2026 Marine Plastics Ambassadors Program—a six-month dynamic, national initiative empowering youth to become effective advocates for policies that reduce plastic pollution.
Through a combination of virtual seminars, policy training, and hands-on advocacy, Ambassadors will develop the skills, networks, and confidence needed to lead impactful campaigns and engage directly with decision-makers.
Eligibility: Applicants must be 18–22 years old as of March 1, 2026. Must reside within the United States from March through September 2026 (students studying abroad or living internationally for more than three weeks during this period are not eligible).
Application deadline: March 1, 2026 at 11:59pm EASTERN. Full details can be found here. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis starting January 15th, thus we recommend submitting your application as soon as possible.
EarthEcho Marine Plastics Ambassadors will:
- Participate in Virtual Seminars and Skill-Building (March–April 2026): Attend twice-weekly virtual seminars over six weeks (Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:00 PM ET, March 23–April 29). Sessions will feature experts and mentors in marine plastics policy, communication, storytelling, and grassroots advocacy. All ambassadors who complete the seminar series will receive a $100 stipend.
- Apply for a Travel Award to the DC Advocacy Workshop (July 2026): Apply for the opportunity to join a 5-day Advocacy Workshop in Washington, DC (July 20–24), featuring panel discussions with policy experts, a Legislative Hill Day with Congressional offices on Capitol Hill, and a hands-on field experience with local organizations. Twenty-five Ambassadors will be selected through a competitive application process based on program participation and performance.
- Design and Implement a Policy Campaign (May–July 2026): Develop and lead a plastic pollution mitigation policy campaign with ongoing support and mentorship from the EarthEcho team. Campaigns will engage elected officials and communities to advance solutions for plastic pollution prevention.
- Collaborate on State-Level Advocacy (July–September 2026): Work with fellow Ambassadors in your state or region to compete for up to $4,000 in funding to organize and lead a youth-led Legislative Hill Day Advocacy Workshop at your state capitol.
Participation in the Marine Plastics Ambassadors program strengthens college and job applications by demonstrating leadership, initiative, and real-world impact—showcasing experience in policy advocacy, sustainability, and project development, along with direct engagement with experts and lawmakers.
If you have any questions, please contact EarthEcho’s Marine Plastics Program Manager, Sam Athey at sam@earthecho.org. Thank you for your support!
Marine Plastics Ambassadors FAQs
What is the Marine Plastics Ambassador program?
EarthEcho has partnered with SC Johnson to build a network of youth to become Marine Plastics Ambassadors—a force for ocean restoration through the elimination of marine debris. In 2026, this program will empower and engage 75 young changemakers (ages 18-22) from across the U.S. with the skills and resources to execute plastics pollution mitigation campaigns or projects. Ambassadors will gain knowledge on marine plastics, policy solutions, and advocacy, and will receive funding, training, and hands-on experience to address plastic pollution in their local communities.
Who can participate in the Marine Plastics Ambassador program?
The 2026 Marine Plastics Ambassador program is open to youth ages 18 to 22 (as of March 1st, 2026) that reside within the United States from March through September 2026 (students studying abroad or living internationally during this period are not eligible).
How do I submit an application?
Submit your application here. Application deadline: March 1st, 2026 at 11:59pm EASTERN. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, thus we recommend submitting your application as soon as possible.
Can I be a Marine Plastics Ambassador if I am not located in the Great Lakes or Southeast region?
The Marine Plastics Ambassador program currently does not operate outside the United States. Students studying abroad or living internationally during the program period are also not eligible. However, you can join our GenSea network to learn about more EarthEcho opportunities in your region and be notified when the Marine Plastics Ambassador program expands.
What are the key dates for the program?
Applications for the EarthEcho 2026 Marine Plastics Ambassadors program are due by March 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM EASTERN. Ambassadors will kick off with twice-weekly virtual seminars on marine plastics policy, communication, storytelling, and grassroots advocacy (Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:00 PM ET from March 23 through April 29, 2026). Ambassadors who attend all sessions will receive a $100 stipend. They will then develop and lead a policy campaign to reduce plastic pollution from May through July 2026, with ongoing mentorship and support from the EarthEcho team. Ambassadors can also apply for a travel award to participate in a 5-day Advocacy Workshop in Washington, DC (July 20–24, 2026), featuring policy briefings, a Legislative Hill Day, and a hands-on field experience. From July through September 2026, Ambassadors will collaborate with peers in their state or region to compete for up to $4,000 in funding to organize and lead a youth-led Legislative Hill Day Advocacy Workshop at their state capitol, while continuing to execute their campaigns with program support.
What are other ways I can connect with EarthEcho International?
Be sure to connect with us via social media on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram to learn the latest about our work and opportunities for young conservation leaders. Be sure to join GenSea for the latest updates and opportunities from EarthEcho for young ocean leaders!
Still have questions? Please direct additional questions to sam@earthecho.org.
Submit your application here. Application deadline: March 1st, 2026 at 11:59pm EASTERN. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, thus we recommend submitting your application as soon as possible.
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