JetBlue’s Sustainability Grant Program Sends Two Students to the ‘OUR OCEAN’ Conference
The 'Our Ocean' conference, hosted in Washington D.C. last month, focused on the key ocean issues of our time including marine pollution and climate-related impacts. JetBlue partnered with the U.S. State Department to send two students to the two-day event. During the conference, students had the opportunity to engage with sustainability thought leaders and stakeholders around the globe, raising awareness for the protection of sensitive marine ecosystems, many of which are found in the various Caribbean destinations that JetBlue serves.
JetBlue is eager to support students in their engagement with ocean and tourism-related solutions because of the ocean’s close relationship to tourism. JetBlue has previously partnered with The Ocean Foundation to show the economic value of clean beaches by directly tying the importance of nature to our airline's finances.
Two grant winners, Joshua Youse and Elizabeth Podbielski, were selected by JetBlue and the U.S. State Department. One of our winners, Elizabeth Podbielski, studies marine biology at Northeastern University. Currently, Elizabeth is a Marine Ecology Research Technician for her university.
The other was Joshua Youse. Joshua shared some insights story about his experience at the conference, and his inspiration protect the marine environment.
Joshua Youse: Unity College: Adventure Education Leadership minor in Adventure Therapy
Cape Fear Community College: Associates Degree in Science
“It was an honor to have been selected to attend the Our Ocean - One Future Leadership Summit. The conference helped guide me in my approach to thinking critically about environmental issues that plague our Planet. From learning about the intricacies of foreign policies playing a role in natural resource management, to the protection of marine ecosystems and preventing the exploitation of ocean based materials. This was an amazing opportunity to connect with environmental stewards from around the world. My ocean pledge is to continue my volunteer efforts, empower my students to understand our ecosystems and take initiative in learning about our Oceans. I know that the future of our oceans have a better chance of surviving and thriving due to all of the intelligent, committed and passionate people who came together to take a stand and unify in honor of our Planet and our Ocean.”
