Key facts
- Type
- Competition
- Deadline
- 6/30/2027
In short
The Ocean Awareness Contest invites students aged 11-18 worldwide to explore their connection to the ocean through art, writing, film, performance, or multimedia for a chance to win up to $1,000.
Ocean Awareness Contest
CompetitionAccepting applications nowApply by 6/30/2027334 days left
11-18 years old
Eligibility
Free
Entry Fee
June 8, 2026
Submission Deadline
November 2026
Results Announcement
$1,000
Top Prize
Worldwide
Participation Area
Overview
The Ocean Awareness Contest, hosted by Bow Seat, offers a unique opportunity for young individuals to engage with critical environmental issues. Through artistic creation and creative expression, participants are encouraged to deepen their understanding of the changing world and to advocate for positive change. The 2026 theme, "Your Story, Our Ocean: How Our Ocean Sustains, Protects, and Inspires Us," prompts teens globally to reflect on their personal relationship with the ocean. This includes considering how the ocean impacts their lives through food, climate, culture, or creativity, and to narrate these experiences through various artistic mediums. The contest is open to middle and high school students, aged 11-18, across the globe, with no entry fee. It provides a platform for both Junior (11-14 years) and Senior (15-18 years) Divisions to showcase their talents and perspectives on ocean conservation. Winners will receive cash awards across multiple categories.
What to build
Participants must create an original piece of visual art (handcrafted or digital), poetry or spoken word, creative writing, film, performing arts (music or dance), or interactive and multimedia work. The submission should explore the theme "Your Story, Our Ocean: How Our Ocean Sustains, Protects, and Inspires Us," reflecting on personal connections to the ocean through aspects like food, climate, culture, or creativity.
Prizes
Gold Award
Awarded to winners in Junior and Senior Divisions across five categories.
$1,000
Silver Award
Awarded to winners in Junior and Senior Divisions across five categories.
$750
Bronze Award
Awarded to winners in Junior and Senior Divisions across five categories.
$500
Pearl Award
Awarded to winners in Junior and Senior Divisions across five categories.
$250
Distinguished Honorable Mention
Awarded to winners in Junior and Senior Divisions across five categories.
$100
Honorable Mention
Awarded to winners in Junior and Senior Divisions across five categories.
$100
Key dates
- Submission DeadlineJune 8, 2026
- Results AnnouncementNovember 2026
Eligibility
This competition is open to students ages 11-18 who are enrolled in middle school or high school (or the homeschool equivalent) worldwide. Students ages 11-14 may enter the Junior Division. Students ages 15-18 may enter the Senior Division.
How to enter
- Choose one or more of the seven competition categories: Visual Art (Handcrafted or Digital), Poetry & Spoken Word, Creative Writing, Film, Performing Arts (Music & Dance), Interactive & Multimedia.
- Create an original submission that explores the theme "Your Story, Our Ocean: How Our Ocean Sustains, Protects, and Inspires Us."
- Prepare a written reflection (100-300 words) describing your creative process and what you learned.
- Compile all required submission materials, including contact information, submission title, written reflection, works cited (if applicable), adult sponsor contact information, and parent/guardian consent (if under 13).
- Submit your entry by the deadline.
Submission requirements
- Contact information
- Submission with a title
- Written reflection (100-300 words) describing creative process and learning from the theme
- Works cited (if applicable) for any ideas, quotes, or facts not your own
- Contact information for an adult sponsor (required for all participants)
- Parent/guardian consent (required if under 13 years old)
- All submissions must be in English. Film or Performing Arts in other languages must include English subtitles.
Sponsors & partners
Bow Seat
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Can I use AI for the competition?
+
The use of AI-generators, like ChatGPT or DALL-E, is considered plagiarism. Any participant who submits AI-generated work will be disqualified and their sponsor will be notified.
What language should my work be in?
+
Your submission must be in English. However, students are allowed to submit a Film or Performing Arts in any language but have to include English subtitles in the video.
Who are the judges?
+
Bow Seat judges are artists, writers, educators, scientists, creators, activists, and ocean-lovers, along with former Ocean Awareness Contest winners as Alumni Judges.