Sea Youth Rise Up has primarily operated as an in-person program since 2016, complemented by virtual preparation and reflection. For the first time, the Youth Advocacy Training expanded beyond its traditional in-person gathering in Washington, D.C., to a nationwide virtual format, making youth-powered ocean advocacy more accessible than ever.

In collaboration with The Ocean Project, Gulf Reach Institute, Project Oceanology, and New England Aquarium and hosted by Big Blue & You’s Programs Manager Laura Johnson, the training featured expert speakers, practical exercises for engaging with decisionmakers, and opportunities for young people to connect, build advocacy skills, and take action in their own communities.

An Inside Look at the CHOW Youth Experience

In June of 2025, the program brought a group of incredible young leaders to Washington, DC for World Ocean Day and Capitol Hill Ocean Week.

SUPPORTING PARTNERS

Amplifying Youth Voices

Sea Youth Rise Up is a joint initiative that provides a platform for the brightest young minds of today, who have a passion for the ocean. We are 100% collaborative and focused on teamwork. Our organizing teams work together to brainstorm innovative ideas that benefit the future of our shared blue planet. We are building exciting strategies with like-minded individuals and organizations to fully harness the collective power of youth.