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Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs

Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs

Blue Planet Awareness Contest

OpenScienceEnvironmentCompetition

About the Program

The Blue Planet Awareness Contest (formerly the Ocean Awareness Contest) is a platform for young people to learn about environmental issues through art-making and creative communication, explore their relationship to a changing world, and become advocates for positive change. Students ages 11-18 from around the world are invited to participate, in a Junior Division (ages 11-14) and a Senior Division (ages 15-18).

The 2027 theme is Nature of Truth: Environmentalism in an Age of Disinformation. Categories are Visual Art (handcrafted and digital), Poetry & Spoken Word, Creative Writing, Film, Performing Arts (music and dance), and Interactive & Multimedia. Entries must be created during the 2026-27 academic year and submitted by June 7, 2027, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Awards include cash prizes of up to $1,000.

Eligibility

This is an international Contest open to students enrolled in middle school or high school (or the homeschool equivalent). Entries must be the students’ original work, created during the 2026-27 academic year (between September 2026 and June 2027), and cannot contain AI-generated content. Entries must be submitted in English or have an English translation. Students can participate individually or as a group of unlimited size. All participants must provide the contact information for an Adult Sponsor (teacher, parent, guardian, mentor, or other supporting adult). Ages 11-18. Students ages 11-14 enter the Junior Division, and ages 15-18 enter the Senior Division. Age is based on age at the time of entry. Students who have started college or university are not eligible. Participants under 13 require a COPPA Parent/Guardian Consent Form. Enrolled in middle school or high school (or the homeschool equivalent).

Eligible Countries

citizenship, residency permanent, high school in: All countries

How to Apply

Students must create an account and submit their work through the online system by the Contest deadline. Submissions via email or physical mail are not accepted.