EMPOWERING YOUNG LEADERS IN MELBOURNE TO BECOME OCEAN INNOVATORS,
CREATING CLIMATE IMPACT TOGETHER
KEY DATES:
Applications Closed
Program Start Date:
13 March 2024
WHAT IS THE YOUNG OCEAN INNOVATORS PROGRAM?
At a glance, the Program is:
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A free 6-week extracurricular program
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For high school students in the Melbourne/Port Phillip Bay area
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Focused on the extraordinary potential of the ocean in the face of climate change
With the guidance of scientific experts, leading environmental organisations and University student mentors, we equip young people with the tools to take ocean action in Port Phillip Bay.
WHO WE ARE
The Young Ocean Innovators Program is a volunteer-run extra curricular program, founded by a University of Melbourne Wattle Fellow, to deepen young people's connection and understanding of our precious ocean.
It is facilitated together with leading marine scientists, conservationist organisations and University student mentors.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to create a generation of passionate young environmental ocean leaders, through establishing a leading young ocean ambassador program for the city of Melbourne.
Our programs aim is to leave students equipped with the skills to innovate, advocate for, and conserve our ocean.
Who can apply?
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You are a high school student in years 9-11
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You want to learn about our ocean, and take part in engaging STEM and leadership workshops.
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You can commit to attend workshops in Port Melbourne once a week for 6 weeks
For more information, check out our Frequently Asked Questions
This program is for you if:
What to Expect?
Have a Question?
We know 6 weeks seems like a long time, so what exactly are students signing up for?
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1 x 2 hour workshop per week; Wednesday 4-6 pm
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1 x field trip to the Sorento Seal Colony in week 3
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Small group mentoring from university students during weekly workshops
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Workshops and STEM activities facilitated by leading environmental and innovative organisations.
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Final Graduation Event to celebrate what students have learnt with parents, friends and the local community.
Program Structure:
Week 1
Our Bay & the Great Southern Reef
What even is the Great Southern Reef and how are First Nations custodians connected to the the bay?
In our first workshop, we explore the the fascinating and mysterious Great Southern Reef, and what Port Phillip Bay really is in the first place.
Week 5
Local Ocean Solutions
What are the different types of solutions to restoring our local ocean?
We explore the various pathways large organisations, businesses and entrepreneurs have taken to preserve, restore and fight for our ocean.
Week 2
Local Ocean Problems
What are the pressing issues conservationists work on in our local area?
Dive into the world Sea Urchin Barrens, the Giant Spider Crab migration and Shore birds as we uncover the challenges and fight to protect these local superheros.
Week 6
Taking action as a young person
What does a climate and ocean career look like?
We explore some of the many ways young people can get involved in ocean action as innovators for a better planet, now and in the future.
Week 3
Big Ocean Problems
How can we deal with the problems our ocean faces on a global scale?
Our ocean is largely unowned, and undiscovered, yet it connects us all. So how do scientists protect whales that migrate thousands of kilometres? And why does whale poo matter to reducing global warming?
Graduation
Showcase Event
Celebrate the journey of our Young Ocean Innovators
Along with families, and local community groups, the Young Ocean Innovators present their project pitches to the audience and we congratulate our young leaders.
Week 4
Ocean Innovators
What are the innovative ocean solutions of engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs?
Here from the innovators and entrepreneurs themselves; how can we use STEM to innovate for our Blue Planet?
WHY DO WE NEED YOUNG OCEAN INNOVATORS?
Meet Alyssa.
Alyssa Seckinger-Crow is the developer of Young Ocean Innovators. She has a deep passion for the ocean, yet has seen a lack of education addressing the profound importance of ocean health when working towards a just climate.
The Young Ocean Innovators Program addresses this gap; it educates and inspires young people to become ocean action makers in their local Melbourne community.
As the main facilitator, Alyssa combines a range of skills; with her studies in Science and Mechanical Engineering, over 4 years in the climate justice sector, 3 years as an educator and a lifelong dedicated to environmental and ocean conservation with organisations such as National Parks NSW and the World Wide Fund for Nature, she is driven to support young people to create innovative solutions to conserve Port Philip Bay.
As a Wattle Fellow, Alyssa is a recipient of the prestigious University of Melbourne's global environmental leadership Fellowship. The Young Ocean Innovators Program is be funded by the University of Melbourne and Future Leaders.
"If we did all the things we are capable of, we would literally astound ourselves"
Thomas Edison
We acknowledge the Boonwurrung and Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nations, and pay our respects to elders, past, present and emerging on whose lands we deliver our program and form connections with the land and water.