NOAA's Young Changemakers Fellowship (YCF) is a year-long opportunity for high school students across the United States, U.S. territories, and tribal nations to make a difference for the ocean and environment. 

With support from NOAA, participating students design and carry out an action project to address an ocean or environmental issue in their home community and share their perspectives with NOAA on important ocean and environmental issues.

A group of 13 people, nine high school students and four adults, smile at the camera. They are standing on a rooftop patio in Washington, DC, with the Washington Monument in the background.
In July 2023, the inaugural cohort of the eeBLUE Young Changemakers Fellowship gathered for a kick-off summit in Washington, D.C. Through the Young Changemakers Fellowship, these students had the opportunity to create impact through leading local action projects as well as sharing their perspectives with NOAA leadership, including NOAA Administrator Dr. Rick Spinrad (right).
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Applications are now open for our next cohort of changemakers! Each of the 15 high school students selected for this opportunity will:

  • Travel to D.C. for a fellowship kick-off summit involving hands-on workshops, discussions with government officials, and opportunities to get to know the other members of the cohort (all expenses will be covered for both the changemaker and one accompanying parent / legal guardian).
  • Join virtual monthly meetings to build changemaking skills and share project progress and challenges.
  • Match with a NOAA mentor who will assist one-on-one with project planning and offer advice on post-high school career paths.
  • Be eligible for up to $750 in funding for project implementation.
  • Receive a $800 stipend for full fellowship completion.

Learn more about the fellowship: