Program
Program Updates
Applications for the 2024 now open!
Apply now for the Blue Water Exchange 2024 Cohort. See program details below. To apply, complete an online application here: https://forms.gle/XYwRad7PkNUmWTvV6. The upcoming program is scheduled to run from February to August 2024.
Priority Application Deadline: January 5, 2024; after that date, the application will remain open through the interview process until all spots are filled.
Posted September 27, 2023
Join an info session!
Want to learn more and see if the Blue Water Exchange is a good fit for you. Join us for one of our virtual info sessions to learn more about the program, ask questions, and meet our staff. Sessions will be held on the following dates:
Oct. 25, 2023, 5-6 pm HST / 7-8 pm PST
Nov. 15, 2023, 5-6 pm HST / 7-8 pm PST
Dec. 13, 2023, 5-6 pm HST / 7-8 pm PST
Jan. 3, 2024, 5-6 pm HST / 7-8 pm PST
Info Session Registration link: https://forms.gle/MBChuDZKgjK86nEP9
Once you register, we'll send you a Zoom link for the info session. Each session will cover the same topics, so you only need to attend one of the dates. Attendance at an info session is recommended but is not mandatory to apply.
Posted September 27, 2023
What is the Blue Water Youth Exchange?
The Blue Water Exchange (BWE) is a program under the nonprofit Mālama ʻĀina Foundation based in Hawaiʻi. BWE is a six-month Capstone experience designed to nurture the next generation of leaders in conservation and environmental fields. BWE provides a unique opportunity for young professionals aged 20-30 to immerse themselves in new environments, foster connections with diverse cultures and indigenous communities, explore various career paths and broaden their perspectives through profound dialogues about our society's most critical challenges.
Growth Opportunities
Personal Growth: Celebrate and highlight the deep connection between individuals and ʻāina (the land). This connection serves as a source of inspiration and personal growth.
Cultural Preservation: Cultivate a deep appreciation for and recognition of the invaluable traditions, wisdom, and customs of indigenous cultures. These traditions form the bedrock for comprehending the significance of land stewardship and fostering personal growth.
Leadership Skills: Promote sustainable practices, environmental responsibility, and the conservation of natural resources as central pillars of the program's mission. Sustainability is essential for a healthier planet and future generations.
Community Engagement: Prioritize building strong, supportive communities and emphasize the importance of contributing to the well-being of these communities. Community engagement is fundamental to personal development and positive societal impact.
"You are not just together because you have to be, but because the group feels they can actually make a difference. The program encourages introspection and emotional growth, not just growth in your career. "
-Member Feedback
How to Apply
All applicants must complete and submit the online application linked below. Please review eligibility and commitment requirements to see if the program is right for you. Applicants that receive high evaluations will be invited to interview with the program's leadership team.
Eligibility & Commitments
Your Contribution:
A commitment of six months, an open mind, and an open heart.
Participation in virtual meetings, completion of offline assignments, and project work.
Availability for travel to California and Hawai'i between June and August 2024 (specific dates to be determined).
Completion of a capstone piece narrating your personal experience through the program.
We've Got You Covered:
BWE will cover the cost of your airfare, ground transportation, lodging, gear, and meals while traveling. We will also provide exceptional teachers, mentors, coaches, and facilitators to guide your journey.
Ideal Candidate:
Experience in a structured environmental program lasting six weeks or more.
Training in areas such as cultural awareness, conservation practices, and leadership development.
Demonstrated commitment to and leadership within their local community to take your experiences beyond the program.
Genuine interest in pursuing a career with an environmental, conservation, or community-building focus.
Learner mindset and a willingness to expand your knowledge and experiences while collaborating with a diverse team.
Readiness to be outstanding representatives of California, Hawai'i, and other Pacific Islands regions.
Click the button below to access our online application for the 2024 Blue Water Exchange Cohort. Priority Application Deadline: January 5th, 2024; after that date, the application will remain open through the interview process until all spots are filled. The upcoming program is scheduled to run from February to August 2024.