The Blue Academy program is centered around a challenge from which 20 finalists will be selected to participate in a bootcamp aimed at enhancing their skills and expanding their understanding of marine issues. Through the bootcamp, students will gain practical knowledge and expertise in order to identify ocean solutions that will have long-lasting effects on both marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. SOA Kenya Hub leader, Humpter, will work with experienced partners in Kenya to develop curricula that fosters active participation and real-world solutions towards resolving interconnected issues impacting the ocean. 

This project by SOA Germany Hub combines traditional and modern elements to foster youth involvement in ocean conservation efforts by putting on a youthful, innovative version of the traditional German 'Stammtisch’—a gathering typically attended only by older generations. Bringing young entrepreneurs in Germany together in this way is intended to spark meaningful conversations on topics related to ocean health and climate resilience, and result in meaningful connections that will nurture collaborations and startups. Hub leader Francielly is herself a startup founder, working on the artificial intelligence side of a coral restoration venture, and intends to use this event to grow the SOA network in Germany.

This project by SOA UF Hub focuses on addressing the issue of pollution in local water bodies of Gainesville, Florida and nearby areas by engaging and educating students through various clean up events. By raising awareness and working towards the goal of reducing pollution in and around Gainesville, the project seeks to make a meaningful impact in the local community. Project leader Nikita David is the co-President for the SOA UF hub, and has been a member of SOA UF for the past two years.

In Ghana, the coastline is a vital habitat for endangered sea turtles like Olive Ridleys, Leatherbacks, and Green Turtles, which face multiple threats including poaching and fisheries bycatch. Recognizing the urgent need to protect these sea turtles and promote sustainable fishing practices, the project, by SOA Ghana, aims to educate coastal communities in Cape Coast and Accra—specifically targeting fishers, women in the value chain, and coastal dwellers. In addition to the educational initiatives, the project will host the first virtual conference on protecting sea turtles in Ghana and launch a digital campaign to spread awareness about protecting sea turtles and advocating for sustainable fishing. Turtle Protection Cubs will be established in the two communities to ensure that endangered turtle species are protected from poaching. Project leader, Gideon Sarpong co-founded iWatch Africa, a non-governmental media and policy organisation where he currently works as Director of Policy and News.

The Ocean Protection Caravan, an initiative by SOA Philippines, seeks to address the pressing problem of declining ocean health by engaging young people in ocean literacy training and mangrove plantings. They will develop their own in-person and virtual workshops to train 50 youth in two communities, and participants will develop their own ocean conservation projects, which the SOA Philippines Hub will support and monitor as they are implemented.

Deep Dive Learning is a project developed by the SOA Ibadan Nigeria Hub with the main objective of fostering a deeper understanding of deep sea mining. The project will consist of a learning program that will include students from local schools and youth from the community, offering them a unique opportunity to gain knowledge in the field of deep seabed mining. The project is being led by Jephthah Adelowo, a certified leader in sustainable waste management who currently works as Creative director for a social enterprise that focuses on climate change sensitization and environmental waste pollution.

Limited ocean education in Ecuador is having a detrimental impact on awareness and conservation efforts. In response to this pressing issue, the project team will utilize the power of pictorial art as a tool to emotionally engage individuals with the importance of the oceans. Recognizing that art has the ability to transcend barriers, the team aims to effectively convey the significance of ocean conservation. SOA Guayas will organize a series of six illustration workshops focused on topics related to environmental and oceanic education. These workshops will provide participants with valuable skills and techniques associated with watercolor painting, enabling them to contribute to the creation of a community art piece. Project leader Abigail Guzmán specialized in marine pollution at the European University of the Atlantic and is the Coordinator of Environmental and Oceanic Education at the SOA Guayas Hub.

The aim of this project by SOA Zanzibar is to plant 1,000 mangrove seedlings in the Southern region of Zanzibar in the Ungujaukuu community. This will be achieved through collaboration with the local government and community members, who will actively participate in planting, monitoring and maintaining the mangrove forests. The goal is to ensure the long-term sustainability of the mangrove forest by educating the coastal community about the significance of mangrove reforestation and involving them in the project implementation. Project leader Rashid Said Ali, has more than 5 years experience working with different organizations on implementing mangrove projects in Zanzibar.

SOA Yaounde Cameroon is embarking on the Ocean Heroes Plastic Challenge project, which seeks to tackle the pressing issue of plastic pollution in Yaoundé. The primary objective of the project is to empower and train young individuals from various schools, transforming them into Youth Ocean Heroes. These students will undergo comprehensive training and mentorship in waste management and ocean conservancy, enabling them to become advocates in their communities. Furthermore, they will pass on their knowledge by training other students, fostering a chain of empowerment that extends across different communities. The project will also raise awareness about plastic waste management and encourage students to write petitions to local councils, advocating for stricter regulations. Project leader, Ahmed Moumine, is the founder of Think Green, a non-profit organization working towards environmental protection and also works as a Project Coordinator for Bottles2Bricks, an organization that transforms plastic waste into building materials for disadvantaged communities.