Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Creative Writing Contest
by Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs, Inc
Cash awards up to $1,000 USD
The Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest invites students aged 11-18 worldwide to explore environmental issues through creative writing. Participants can win cash awards up to $1,000 USD and join a global community dedicated to ocean conservation.
Mode
Online
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual and team
Teams of 1 or more
Duration
Ongoing
Time needed
Depends on individual research and writing time
Eligibility
Open to students worldwide aged 11-18, currently enrolled in middle or high school. Participants can enter individually or in groups. Students under 13 require parental consent. College students are not eligible.
- Grade level
- Grade 6 to 12
- Age range
- 11 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Enrolled in middle school or high school (or homeschool equivalent). Students enrolled in college or university are not eligible.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
$1,000
Cash awards up to $1,000 USD are provided to winners. Award money for group entries will be split evenly among members. Additional special awards, such as the Smithsonian Creativity in Resilience Award ($250), are also available.
Certificate
Participation Certificate
A participation certificate is provided to all entrants, recognizing their engagement in this international environmental contest.
Opens doors to
Participation showcases a strong extracurricular profile, critical thinking, and engagement with global issues, which can be beneficial for college applications, especially for environmental studies, humanities, and arts programs.
Career pathways
Participation can enhance portfolios for careers in environmental science, creative industries, and non-profit sectors. It demonstrates commitment to global issues and strong communication skills.
Recognition
International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration closes
- 7 Jun 2027
Online · Bow Seat Online Submission Portal
How to apply
- 1Students must create an account and submit their work through the online system.
- 2Participants under 13 years old need a parent/guardian consent form to be completed with their submission.
- 3A written reflection (100-300 words) describing the creative process and learning from the theme is mandatory.
- 4Works cited (if applicable) for any ideas, quotes, or facts used that are not original.
Rules and guidelines
- AI-generated work is not permitted and will lead to disqualification.
- All entries must be in English or include an English translation/subtitles.
- Award money for group entries will be split evenly among members.
Technology requirements
- Internet access for online submission portal
- Computer or device capable of creating and uploading written work
About this opportunity
The Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest is an annual international competition that encourages young people to engage with critical environmental issues, particularly those affecting the ocean, through creative expression. The theme, "Connections to Nature: Looking Inside, Going Outside," prompts students to explore their personal relationship with the natural world and how it influences their feelings and experiences. This contest serves as a platform for students to learn about climate change, discover solutions, and become advocates for positive change.
This contest is open to students aged 11-18, enrolled in middle or high school (or homeschool equivalent) worldwide. Participants can submit their work individually or as part of a group. Students under 13 years old require a parent or legal guardian to complete a Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) Parent/Guardian Consent Form.
Participants have the chance to win cash awards up to $1,000 USD and gain global recognition for their work. The contest helps students develop skills in communication, critical thinking, creativity, and environmental advocacy. Winning entries are showcased in online exhibitions, publications, and social media campaigns, amplifying youth voices for ocean conservation. Additionally, a new Smithsonian Creativity in Resilience Award offers 10 awards of $250 each for exceptional work related to the Resilience sub-theme.
How entries are judged
Submissions are judged on how well they address the annual theme, demonstration of artistic voice, originality, imagination, craftsmanship (quality, technique, skill, attention to detail), and accuracy in communicating issues. Submissions must also meet category requirements (e.g., length, file type).
Selection process
Entries are anonymously evaluated by at least three judges over a series of three rounds. Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Honorable Mention winners are announced in each division and category.
How to prepare
- Bow Seat's Resource Studio (articles, videos, activities, quizzes)
- Inspirational artwork and journalistic media
- Primary literature on sub-themes (Generational Knowledge, Concrete Jungle, Resilience, Healthy Environments, Healthy Humans)
- Skills-based resources for art-making, filmmaking, spoken word, and storytelling
- Examples of environmental art
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The contest encourages self-directed learning and research on environmental issues, particularly ocean health and climate change, guided by the annual theme. Participants are encouraged to explore sub-themes like Generational Knowledge, Concrete Jungle, Resilience, and Healthy Environments, Healthy Humans.
Frequently asked questions
How can participants enhance their chances of winning in this creative writing competition?
To increase the likelihood of success, participants should thoroughly engage with the annual theme, demonstrate a unique artistic voice, and ensure their submission exhibits strong craftsmanship. Originality, imagination, and accuracy in communicating environmental issues are key judging criteria. Reviewing past winning entries can also provide valuable insights into successful approaches.
What are common mistakes students make during the submission process for this contest?
Frequent errors include not adhering to the word count or length requirements, failing to provide a complete written reflection, or neglecting to cite sources properly. Submitting AI-generated content or plagiarized work will lead to disqualification. Participants should carefully review all submission requirements and the checklist before finalizing their entry.
How does the judging process ensure fairness and impartiality for all entries?
Entries are evaluated anonymously by a diverse panel of judges, including artists, writers, teachers, scientists, and alumni. Each submission undergoes multiple rounds of review by at least three judges, ensuring a comprehensive and unbiased assessment based on established criteria. This multi-stage, anonymous evaluation system promotes fairness.
What is the long-term impact of participating in this contest on a student's academic profile and future opportunities?
Participation in this international contest significantly enhances a student's academic and extracurricular profile, demonstrating strong creative writing, research, and environmental advocacy skills. It can be a valuable addition to college applications, particularly for programs in environmental studies, humanities, and arts, and can open doors to future leadership roles and internships.
Are there specific themes or topics within the broader ocean awareness context that judges tend to favor?
Judges look for submissions that deeply engage with the annual theme and its sub-themes, demonstrating a thoughtful and personal connection to the ocean. While no specific topic is inherently favored, entries that showcase originality, a strong narrative, and a clear message about environmental issues, especially those related to climate change and conservation, often stand out.
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