Blue Futures Pathways launches Phase III with a $3.6 million contribution from our project partners! |
Blue Futures Pathways (BFP) launches into Phase III with a $2.4 million investment from Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) and a $1.2 million contribution from our project partners at the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation, the University of British Columbia and Swim Drink Fish.
Building on the successes of Phases I and II, BFP Phase III will continue to connect youth and early career professionals (ages 15-35) to employment, training, mentorship, funding and education in Canada’s growing Sustainable Blue Economy. Endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade, the BFP team is dedicated to early-career engagement and raising awareness of ocean and water-related careers accessible to diverse communities across Canada.
To learn more about BFP Phase III, check out OSC’s press release!
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ECOP Canada rehomes under the SOI Foundation |
The SOI Foundation and the UN Ocean Decade endorsed program, Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP), have joined forces! The Canada node of the Global ECOP Program will now live within the BFP Program at the SOI Foundation.
Both SOI & ECOP Canada believe that empowering Canada’s ocean workforce is built on sharing intergenerational ideas, creating access to opportunities in diverse communities, fostering innovation, and supporting a global network of ECOPs navigating early career challenges. SOI is thrilled to lead ECOP Canada’s national and international partnerships, in support of the UN Ocean Decade.
Updates to the ECOP Canada page will be coming very soon!
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What to expect in BFP Phase III |
As we launch into BFP Phase III, multiple opportunities are underway. Building on the successes of Phases I and II, which saw over 350+ youth in Canada obtain internships & training, here’s a brief overview of what to expect in Phase III:
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- Information on ocean careers available to youth, especially in underrepresented communities across Canada;
- Mentorship, skills training, and education on Canada’s growing Sustainable Blue Economy;
- Socially equitable and sustainable programming to support youth across Canada seeking careers in the Sustainable Blue Economy;
- Creation of two new BFP learning modules;
- Development and launching of three new micro-credential courses in partnership with the University of British Columbia;
- Teacher training, learning resources, and skills training on the Sustainable Blue Economy;
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Continued collaborations with Indigenous knowledge holders and program partners to uphold BFP’s core value of an equitable approach to the Sustainable Blue Economy;
- Access to education and career opportunities through BFP’s Portal for Opportunities, Resources and Talent (PORT).
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As we enter BFP Phase III, our team is ready to bring more career opportunities to those ready to innovate Canada’s Sustainable Blue Economy. Stay tuned for project updates on the BFP PORT!
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SOI Foundation & ECOP Canada are looking to nominate individuals from our inspiring network of young leaders for the Young Leaders Award by Walking Softer!
If you are interested in nominating or self-nominating, please fill out the application form by February 25th, 2025!
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With all the exciting developments for BFP Phase III, we’ve welcomed some new additions to the team!
Joining the SOI team, we have Volita Yego (she/her, pictured bottom left), joining as the new Manager of ECOP Canada. Volita brings impressive expertise in youth empowerment, climate action and ocean conservation.
Kiersten Runte (they/she, middle) joins as BFP’s Communications Coordinator. They bring a passion for storytelling, science communications and creating youth programming.
Rodala Aranya (she/her, back row, right) joins on as BFP Program Assistant. Rodala’s infectious spirit brings a passion for working with youth, empowering climate action and supporting the development of equitable programming.
Continuing on the BFP team are Tara Mascarenhas (she/her, back row, left), Director of Programs, and Anna Naylor (she/her, back row, middle), Blue Futures Pathways Program Manager, and of course, Lisa Harding (she/her, not pictured), BFP's financial assistant. Together, this BFP dream team is dedicated to achieving the goals of BFP Phase III and ECOP Canada, and is excited to work with youth and early career professionals seeking opportunities in Canada’s Sustainable Blue Economy.
To learn more about our new team, check out their profiles on the SOI team page.
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