Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Poetry & Spoken Word Contest
by Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs, Inc
$1,000 USD Cash Award
44,774 participants
The Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest invites students aged 11-18 worldwide to explore their connection to nature through poetry and spoken word, fostering environmental advocacy and offering cash prizes up to $1,500 USD.
Mode
Online
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual and team
Teams of 1 or more
Duration
Contest period from September to June
Time needed
Depends on individual research and writing time
Eligibility
Students aged 11-18, enrolled in middle or high school (or homeschool equivalent) worldwide, are eligible. Both individual and group entries are accepted. Participants under 13 years old must have parental consent. College or university 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 who have started college or university are not eligible.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
$1,500 USD
Win up to $1,000 USD, including $500 category awards. Award money for group submissions will be split evenly among members.
Certificate
Participation Certificate
Participation certificates are provided to all entrants, enhancing resumes and portfolios.
Opens doors to
Winning or participating in an international contest demonstrates initiative, creativity, and commitment, which can significantly enhance college applications and scholarship prospects.
Career pathways
Participation and awards can open doors to internships, further educational opportunities, and careers in environmental fields, creative industries, and social impact organizations.
Recognition
International Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration closes
- 7 Jun 2027
Online · Bow Seat Online Submission System
How to apply
- 1Create an account on the Bow Seat online submission system
- 2Complete contact information
- 3Provide adult sponsor contact information (teacher, parent, mentor, etc.)
- 4Submit your creative work (Poetry & Spoken Word)
- 5Provide a title for your submission
- 6Include a written reflection describing your creative process and what you learned
- 7Submit works cited if any external ideas, quotes, or facts were used
- 8If under 13, parent/guardian consent form must be completed
Rules and guidelines
- The use of AI-generators (e.g., ChatGPT, DALL-E) is considered plagiarism and will result in disqualification.
- Entries must be submitted in English or include an English translation for judging.
- All judging decisions made by Bow Seat are final.
- Students who have started college or university are not eligible
- Entries must be original work created during the current academic year (September-June)
- Only one entry per category per student is allowed
- No fee to enter the contest
Technology requirements
- Internet access for online submission
- Computer or device capable of creating and uploading digital files (e.g., Word documents, PDFs, video files for spoken word).
- Ability to upload required file types for Poetry & Spoken Word (e.g., text document, audio file)
About this opportunity
The Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest is an international competition encouraging young people to engage with critical environmental issues through creative expression. This contest serves as a vital platform for students to deepen their understanding of climate change and its impact on oceans, promoting environmental advocacy and awareness globally.
This competition is open to students worldwide aged 11-18, including those enrolled in middle or high school or the homeschool equivalent. Participants can enter individually or as part of a group of any size. Students under 13 years old are required to have a parent or legal guardian complete a Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) Parent/Guardian Consent Form with their submission.
Participants have the opportunity to win cash awards up to $1,000 USD, including $500 for specific categories. The contest is designed to help students develop essential skills in communication, critical thinking, creativity, and environmental advocacy. Winning entries are prominently featured in online galleries, publications, and social media campaigns, contributing to a global collection of youth environmental art.
Submissions are accepted in various categories, including Poetry & Spoken Word. Each submission must be accompanied by a written reflection detailing the creative process and insights gained. The contest strictly emphasizes original work, and any use of AI-generated content is considered plagiarism, leading to immediate disqualification.
Rounds and format
The competition consists of a single submission round.
How entries are judged
Submissions are judged on how well they address the annual theme, creativity, originality, and artistic merit. A written reflection is also considered.
Selection process
Entries are evaluated based on their artistic quality, originality, and effectiveness in communicating the contest theme. The accompanying written reflection also plays a role in the selection process.
How to prepare
- Bow Seat's Resource Studio (online platform with inspirational artwork, journalistic media, literature, quizzes, and videos).
- Skills-based resources for art-making, filmmaking, spoken word, and storytelling.
- Examples of past winning entries.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The contest encourages self-directed learning and creative exploration around the annual theme, supported by Bow Seat's Resource Studio, which provides inspirational artwork, journalistic media, literature, quizzes, and videos.
Frequently asked questions
How can participants ensure their poetry or spoken word entry stands out in the competition?
Participants should focus on originality, a unique perspective on the theme, and strong artistic execution. Employing vivid imagery, compelling narrative, and a clear connection to the 'Your Story, Our Ocean' theme can make an entry memorable. A well-crafted written reflection is also key to conveying depth and insight.
What are the common reasons for disqualification, and how can they be avoided by applicants?
Common reasons for disqualification include plagiarism (including AI-generated content), not adhering to the theme, or submitting work created outside the specified academic year. Participants must carefully review all rules and eligibility criteria, ensuring their work is entirely original and meets all requirements.
What support is available for students who are new to creative writing or spoken word for this contest?
Bow Seat provides extensive resources through its Resource Studio, including inspirational content, skill-building guides for creative writing and storytelling, and examples of past winning entries. These resources are designed to support participants at all skill levels in developing their submissions.
How does participation in this contest benefit a student's academic and personal growth?
Engaging in the contest enhances creative writing, critical thinking, and environmental literacy skills. It offers a platform for global recognition, strengthens portfolios for higher education, and connects students with a community passionate about ocean conservation and advocacy.
What role does the Adult Sponsor play in the submission process for participants?
The Adult Sponsor provides contact information to verify the participant's entry and eligibility. For participants under 13, a parent or legal guardian must also complete a COPPA consent form, ensuring compliance with online privacy regulations.
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