Skip to main content
student smiling and waving at phone camera

Join an Online Teen Leadership Program with the Largest Marine Mammal Hospital in the World

Ocean Advocacy Collective is a virtual leadership program for high school students to gather and build a community around their passion for marine science.

The leadership program will amplify youth advocacy and agency by creating a community-oriented space for the discussion around ocean conservation and climate change. This is a safe, open space for teenagers to learn how to cultivate optimism as we grapple with complex issues and transform passion into action. We hope that we can all learn from one another in order to strive for truly effective change and holistic conservation solutions.

We welcome high school students from around the world with any level of marine science knowledge or experience with ocean conservation, and strongly encourage those that are new to these topics to apply. All we ask is that you are passionate about the ocean!

Apply for the Leadership Program

Applications are currently closed

Applications will open later this year for the next session of Ocean Advocacy Collective. Applications will serve as a means for program staff to get to know participants and develop leadership content relative to their interests.


Get alerted when applications open

Time Commitment

Tuesdays at 2:30-4pm PT or Thursdays at 4:30-6pm PT

This leadership program will require two to three hours per week, with 90 minutes being our weekly meeting and the rest of the time going toward resource readings, forums, feedback or surveys.

Qualifications & Expectations

  • Be a high school student, including home school, in grades 9-12. For summer sessions, rising 9th and graduated 12th graders are welcome. Please reach out to learn@tmmc.org with questions or to share unique circumstances
  • Have reliable access to a computer or tablet, internet and Zoom
  • Be excited to connect with other ocean enthusiasts and passionate about learning marine science 
  • Do your best to be present for all meetings, as this leadership program aims to build a strong community
  • Acknowledge and value the varied experiences we all bring to the program, and therefore hold space and listen to others with differing opinions as we navigate discussions


sea lions underwater

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still apply if I don't have a strong background in marine science?

Plus icon Minus icon

Please do! Ocean Advocacy Collective is a space dedicated to teenagers wanting to build community with their peers who are passionate about ocean conservation and marine science. We welcome all levels of knowledge and experience to join the club!

Is it mandatory that I attend every meeting?

Plus icon Minus icon

We understand things come up unexpectedly and you might have to miss a meeting. We ask that you communicate with us if you do have to miss a meeting, and that you miss no more than one a month in order to maintain enrollment in the program.

How many people will be participating in the leadership program?

Plus icon Minus icon

We are accepting up to 20 youth per cohort.

Will I be able to volunteer directly with marine mammals?

Plus icon Minus icon

No, this is a leadership opportunity for teenagers from varying locations to gather in a virtual space. If you’re a teenager interested in volunteering with our marine mammals, check out our Youth Crew program.

I want to get involved, but I’m not available every week.

Plus icon Minus icon

Check out our Stewardship Saturday program for more opportunities with no commitment!

More Questions?

Contact us at learn@tmmc.org.

Looking for More Programs for Youth & Families?

ocean science, STEM careers, ocean stewardship, high school programs, virtual programs, youth programs, fellowship, ocean conservation leaders, conservation leadership, ocean advocacy collective, ocean advocacy