Plastic pollution has been described as one of the most devastating issues of our time, with far-reaching impacts on water quality, ecosystems, wildlife and human health. It is estimated that over 10 million kilograms of plastic enters the Great Lakes each year. To address this growing challenge, it is imperative that the next generation of leaders are armed with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to implement innovative solutions in their communities and beyond.
Turning the Tides is designed to help emerging leaders have a tangible impact on the environment by combatting plastic pollution in their communities.
If you’re between the ages of 18 and 23 and eager to be a part of the solution to plastic pollution while building professional and personal skills, gaining hands-on experience outside of the classroom, and networking with leaders, experts and other youth, this program is for you!
Participation is FREE and no prior experience is required.
- Collaborate with peers and build your professional network through opportunities to connect with industry leaders and professionals
- Further develop professional and personal skills such as project management, leadership, problem-solving, and more!
- Gain unique insight into real-world applications of plastic pollution solutions, including through field trips and hands-on experiential learning opportunities
- Benefit from mentorship and guidance from industry leaders and professionals to help you implement your own community project. Your project idea could be chosen to receive up to $5,000 to help implement it in your community!
- Build a portfolio showcasing your participation and achievements
- Receive recognition of your participation on the website and social media
- Receive continued access to program resources and networking opportunities after completing the program
From September to November the program will offer interactive sessions, available both in-person in Hamilton and virtually. If you are between 18 and 23 years of age, you are welcome to join as many sessions as you like! By attending the sessions you will:
- Learn about local plastic pollution issues and potential impacts on human health and the environment
- Observe innovative solutions firsthand by visiting existing efforts to reduce plastic pollution.
- Explore the process of creating your own project, from inception to implementation
- Learn how to write compelling project proposals that can help secure project support
- Collaborate with industry leaders and professionals and gain valuable insights about careers in the environmental field.
*Please note that you may need to travel if you would like to participate in the in-person events in Hamilton. All in-person sessions will be easily accessible by public transit.
Collaborate with experienced mentors to develop a creative solution to the issue of plastic pollution that helps protect human health and the environment!
This is your opportunity to drive positive change in your community while mastering essential skills that can help you unlock new opportunities and reach your personal and professional goals.
Selected projects may receive up to $5,000 to support implementation in Summer 2025 and ongoing mentorship and guidance from an expert.
Please note that participants can join as many sessions as they would like. However, attendance at a few in-person sessions is required to be eligible to receive funding support to implement your project idea. Proposals will be accepted in early 2025, with more detailed information provided to participants at a later date.
*Note: if you are not able to attend sessions, please indicate this on your application form. We will do our best to accommodate individual circumstances.
Timeline
Individuals between the ages of 18 and 23 are eligible to apply. Some in-person events will take place in Hamilton. Those wishing to join these in-person sessions will need to be able to travel if located outside the city.
Please fill out the application form below.
Successful candidates will be contacted to confirm your participation.
Is there a cost to participate in the program?
The program is free of charge for all participants.
I don’t know anything about plastic pollution or how to start a project. Should I still participate?
Absolutely! This program will provide the knowledge, skills, and tools needed. We encourage all youth between the ages of 18 and 23 to participate, regardless of their background or prior experience.
Where will the sessions take place?
Some sessions will take place virtually, while others will be in-person in Hamilton and accessible by public transit. Funding may be available for those experiencing financial barriers to cover the cost of travel related to attending the sessions.
More information will be provided in the coming weeks.
Do I need to be based in Hamilton to apply?
No, anyone between the ages of 18 and 23 is free to apply. However, priority will be given to those located in Hamilton and the surrounding region.
Do I need to attend all sessions?
If you are looking to submit a proposal for your project idea, you must attend some in-person sessions as part of participation in the program. If not, you can drop in on as many sessions as you want!
If you are not able to attend in-person sessions but are still interested in submitting a project idea, please explain your situation in your application form. Our team will evaluate on a case-by-case basis to determine eligibility to submit a proposal.
Please note that the project itself must be implemented in Hamilton.
Am I allowed to submit a project proposal in a group?
Yes! We encourage collaboration. However, please ensure that each member of your group has attended all of the sessions.
How will the projects be selected for funding?
Projects will be evaluated based on feasibility, impact, innovation, and alignment with the program’s goals. Detailed criteria and guidance will be provided to participants in advance.
Will there be any support available after the program ends?
Selected projects will receive ongoing support and mentorship throughout the implementation phase in Summer 2025.
Please email us at ejoo@pollutionprobe.org if you have any questions or if you would like to know more about the program.
Please email ejoo@pollutionprobe.org if you have any questions or if you would like to know more about the program. Our team will get back to you as soon as possible!