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Support Ocean Education: Volunteers Needed for National Ocean Sciences Bowl

  • 1.  Support Ocean Education: Volunteers Needed for National Ocean Sciences Bowl

    Posted 02-05-2026 14:41
    Edited by Rachel Dammann 02-19-2026 17:23

    Help support the next generation of ocean leaders as a competition official for the Virtual Sponge Bowl on March 21 and 22!

    The National Ocean Sciences Bowl, a program of the Center for Ocean Leadership at UCAR, is thrilled to announce the return of the Virtual Sponge Bowl. This unique regional competition ensures that dedicated high school teams, whose local bowls aren't running this year, still have a chance to showcase their ocean science brilliance. The NOSB is an academic competition that introduces high school students to ocean and freshwater science. Teams from around the U.S. will compete head-to-head over Zoom, completing buzzer question rounds and Team Challenge Questions (TCQs).

    Our regional host partners at People Making a Difference are recruiting 76 more volunteers to make this event happen for 24 teams from across the country. You can support the next generation of ocean stewards right from your living room!

    Please join us for this great outreach opportunity where you can engage directly with high school students and other STEM professionals. Volunteers always introduce themselves and their work to the students, providing insight into future career paths!

    The Details

    • When: Saturday, March 21 (Full Day) & Sunday, March 22 (Afternoon)

    • Where: Your home office/couch (via Zoom & online buzzers)

    • Who: 150 students, their coaches, and a community of STEM enthusiasts

    Why Volunteer?

    Besides the "shore" fire way to feel great about supporting STEM education, you'll receive:

    • Exclusive 2026 NOSB theme buff & sticker.

    • A digital volunteer badge to showcase on your LinkedIn or social media.

    • Full training, support, and a chance to network with ocean pros.

    • Note: This is the only way to get involved in a virtual buzzer competition with the NOSB this year!

    Find Your Role:

    Get Involved:

    Learn More

    Apply by February 24



    ------------------------------
    Nicole Palma
    Program Specialist II
    UCAR, UCP and NSF NCAR
    ------------------------------



  • 2.  RE: Support Ocean Education: Volunteers Needed for National Ocean Sciences Bowl

    Posted 02-22-2026 10:14

    Bumping this up... we are still in need of 50+ more volunteers to make this event happen for our science-loving high school students! Most volunteers return year after year because they enjoyed their experience so much. Check out these quotes from last year's Virtual Sponge Bowl volunteers:

    ๐ŸŒŠ "Great opportunity for kids who don't normally have access to them!"

    ๐ŸŒŠ "It's always so rewarding to see such enthusiasm from all of the teams about ocean sciences!"

    ๐ŸŒŠ "I'm impressed every year by their level of knowledge."



    ------------------------------
    Nicole Palma
    Program Specialist II
    UCAR, UCP and NSF NCAR
    ------------------------------



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