Application Process-Youth - SOI Foundation

Claire

Be a Part of the Journey

Are you interested in being a youth participant on an SOI expedition? Our expedition programs create global youth leaders through transformative, experiential opportunities. We join together diverse youth and educators to create rich, immersive learning environments that encourage action towards a better future for our planet.

Youth Participant Philosophy

Youth participants must demonstrate that they want to participate for the right reasons. This is not a vacation experience. It is a learning journey that requires time, energy, passion and interest, that begins before the expedition through pre-learning content, and continues after the expedition as a member of a global group of SOI Alumni. Our expedition team is made up of all kinds of youth. Our expedition programs strive to achieve diversity across gender, race/ethnicity, and geography, with a particular focus on Black, Indigenous, and under-represented youth. We have youth who have found their path and are looking to connect with like-minded people, and those who are searching for some direction and need a spark to get going. The diversity of our team creates magic within the program.

Ways to Join

General eligibility criteria
SCHOLARSHIPS
SELF-FUNDED

Application must demonstrate commitment to the program:

Strong understanding of the educational nature of the program (not a vacation or ‘trip’!)
Interest in immersive nature of the program and willingness to fully participate
Accept the responsibility to act as an ambassador for their communities
Commitment to learning and engaging with Indigenous and Western ways of knowing

Additional scholarship criteria:

Curiosity and desire to learn
Demonstrated motivation to participate
Leadership capacity, or potential to develop leadership qualities
“Heart” as determined by passion and empathy
Commitment to take insight and learning back to community

Scholarship Application Process

SOI is dedicated to trying to make its programs accessible to youth, regardless of their background. Scholarships are available for the majority of spots on expedition programs, thanks to our generous partners, sponsors and supporters. Each program will have specific scholarship criteria. By submitting an application, you will be automatically reviewed for each program where you meet the criteria.

To apply for a scholarship, you must simply submit your application, indicating you would like to apply for a scholarship (as part of your application), by the application deadline.
Applications for our 2025 programs are due January 30, 2025

Applications for scholarships will not be accepted past the application deadline to be fair to all applicants. You will automatically be entered into the relevant scholarship pools for all programs you are eligible for.
If you are shortlisted for a scholarship that requires additional information after you have submitted your application, you will receive an email asking you to submit additional information to continue to be considered for the scholarship.
All scholarship applications are reviewed by an external scholarship review committee, anonymously.
Successful scholarship recipients will be notified by phone and/or email. Please ensure this information is up to date in your application.
Be sure to double check your email address and your phone number on your application to ensure you do not miss important information.

Self-Funded Application Process

Self-funded participants are those who are able to fund their own participation. Note: The fees to self-fund in 2024 are greater than $15,950 plus travel to and from the gateway city. There are typically a limited number of spaces available to youth who wish to fund their own participation. We recommend that you apply as soon as possible, to be placed on our waiting list.

Application Process

Self-funded participants are still required to submit an application to the program, indicating that you will fund your participation, and are subject to a formal review process.
We recommend that you apply as soon as possible. Due to the limited number of spots available on the ship, applying as a self-funded youth does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
Ensuring the references are completed is the responsibility of the applicant.
Applications for self-funded youth will be reviewed on a rolling basis and you will be notified of your status by April.

Payment Details Once Accepted

A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 is required within 10 business days of your acceptance in order to reserve your place on expedition.
Generally, 50% of the expedition fee is due at least 120 days prior to departure and final balances are due at least 60 days prior to departure.
All payments received within 120 days or more prior to the departure date are refundable, with the exception of the $1000 non-refundable deposit.
When cancellations are received within 119 days of the departure date, payments are not refundable. We recommend that students purchase cancellation insurance.

Further details about the payment schedule will be provided in your acceptance letter.

Applications Now Open!

Applications are now open to join one of SOI’s 25th-anniversary expeditions!

Our streamlined application process means you only have to submit ONE application to be considered for all our 2025 expeditions. Selected applicants will be matched to an expedition that best aligns with their interests. Whether you’re passionate about ocean conservation, Indigenous-led initiatives, climate action, or Arctic issues, a transformative journey awaits!

Don’t miss this opportunity! Full scholarships are available!

Expand your horizons, learn new skills, and connect with nature, youth, educators, and experts from around the world.

APPLY TODAY!

Apply for Summer 2025 Programming

Youth Application Process underline

Be a Part of the Journey

Youth Participant Philosophy

Ways to Join

Applications Now Open!

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Youth Application Process