The Ocean Leaders Fellowship (OLF) Program offers support and resources to exceptional young professionals committed to protecting and restoring the health of the oceans.

Introducing the Fellowship

The Challenge:

The ocean is vital to life on Earth, and the responsibility of safeguarding it is now passed on to the next generation of ocean leaders. However, young leaders often face systemic barriers, such as limited access to opportunities and exclusion from crucial decision-making spaces, which hinder their ability to apply their expertise and advance in their careers.

The Solution:

The Ocean Leaders Fellowship (OLF), developed by Sustainable Ocean Alliance in partnership with Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy, is an annual program designed to support and empower exceptional young professionals dedicated to protecting and restoring ocean health.

Each year, the program selects 40 Fellows, offering them a chance to develop leadership skills in the ocean sector. The fellowship includes workshops, expert mentorship, collaboration with peers, and opportunities to attend the 2025 Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit and the UN Ocean Conference.

The OLF goes beyond amplifying youth voices; it equips Fellows with the skills and confidence needed to lead and foster long-term, meaningful change for both the ocean and the climate.

About the Program

Empowering Future Ocean Leaders

The Ocean Leaders Fellowship provides both online and in-person experiences focused on developing essential skills in the following areas:

• Leadership: Fellows will develop the ability to address complex challenges with resilience, purpose, and a values-driven approach to leadership.
• Storytelling: Fellows will learn how to craft compelling narratives that inspire action, engage communities, and influence policymakers.
• Collaboration & Cultural Competence: Fellows will build skills to create inclusive, culturally sensitive solutions with diverse stakeholders, including policymakers and Indigenous communities.
• Resourcefulness: Fellows will improve their ability to innovate, secure funding, manage responsibilities, and remain adaptable to change.

The 2025 cohort will emphasize developing Leadership and Storytelling skills.

Join the 2025 OLF Cohort

The Ocean Leaders Fellowship offers the opportunity to gain vital skills, connect with global changemakers, and lead with confidence. It’s a chance to make a lasting impact on the ocean and climate.

2025 Program Details

The 2025 OLF Cohort will run from March 24 to December 5, 2025, focusing on Leadership and Storytelling.

International travel will be required for select dates from April to June 2025.

The program is open to individuals aged 18-35, and applications are encouraged from people of all identities, backgrounds, and geographic locations.

Interested individuals should apply by the deadline of February 23, 2025, at 11:59pm PST