What is Ocean Bridge?
The Ocean Bridge program is a 3-month part-time program designed for students from coast to coast to coast currently doing their undergrad at a Canadian University, age 25 and under. Each year, the program connects youth and young professionals from rural land locked towns, northern communities, urban coastal cities and anywhere in between to form a national cohort of ocean ambassadors.
This project-based experiential program aims to empower young people to become Ocean Wise citizens and adopt a culture of service. Through 1:1 coaching, immersive learning journeys, online workshops and discussions, ambassadors become equipped with relevant skills and are provided with funding opportunities to design and deliver ocean and freshwater action projects that are implemented on a local or national scale.
Book-ended by two immersive regional Learning Journeys, ambassadors have the opportunity to learn and explore the awe-inspiring region of the Pacific Coast, as well as network and connect in the greater Toronto region.
This transformative experience provides ambassadors with the tools to position themselves as change makers in their communities and beyond. Whether this is your first experience with conservation work, or you are looking to reconnect with the environment or your community, this program has something to offer to everyone.
I am still catching myself reflecting on how privileged and lucky I am to have had the chance to participate in this experience. We had so many opportunities to learn from each other in a variety of ways, but also to learn from some fantastic teachers throughout our journey
Will Crolla
2021 Ocean Bridge alum – British Columbia
What can you expect?
Participants will feel empowered with relevant experiences and skills to catalyze changes in their own lives, communities, and environments. This opportunity will provide a gateway for youth to channel their interests in marine and aquatic environments into direct action toward ocean and freshwater conservation and stewardship.
Participants will have in-depth and meaningful interactions with marine and aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems in remote and rural coastal and watershed environments across Canada while guided by local experts and traditional knowledge keepers. This program aims to inspire participants to protect ocean and freshwater environments
Participants will engage in meaningful civic engagement driven by their own interests and concerns. These experiences will allow youth to position themselves as change makers and expose them to the power of individual action in their communities and beyond.
Ready to take the plunge?
To be surrounded by so many passionate, caring, kind, considerate youth from across this great, beautiful nation, to have them share their experiences, to share their passion, their fire their drive, to feed off of one another and support one another through this endeavour has been amazing.
Leah McConney
2019 Ocean Bridge alum – Nova Scotia
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