Go beyond

European Blue Schools aim to inspire teachers, school directors or staff of education services, to challenge their students, from kindergarten, primary, lower and upper secondary, technical or vocational schools, to develop a “Find the blue” project that links them to the ocean or the sea.

Why become a European Blue School?

Schools that take up the Find the Blue challenge shall identify an ocean-based topic that is relevant to their students, and collaborate with their pupils to create a school project. Student ownership, collaborations with other organizations and people involved with the ocean and creating a community with the same passion will be key values of these projects. By successfully completing the Find the Blue challenge, schools will receive a European Blue School certification.

How to become a European Blue School?

Every project that a school submits to become a European Blue School should achieve the following five compulsory criteria:

• Develop a project with interlinked activities: A project consists of several complementary activities under the umbrella of one central topic.
• Produce a clear output: The initiative encourages students to be active learners and develop a product, object, event or service that can be exhibited or used as a tool for communication.
• Involve all students: Students play an active role in all phases of the project. The teacher facilitates learning and guides students to become independent workers, allowing them to show what they can do.
• Collaborate with a local partner: Invite an expert, marine scientist, NGO, science centre, maritime company and/or government body to help facilitate the creation, implementation and communication of the project. Go to the EU4Ocean Platform to find a partner!
• Communicate project results: Let students improve their communication skills and feel more engaged with their local community by talking about the project in a meaningful and informed way, starting with their own social environment.

Are you up for the challenge? Submit your application!

The Handbook for Teachers outlines the teaching principles behind the European Blue School initiative and the European Blue School certification process. It includes a step-by-step guide for developing your own blue project, ideas and tools that can help you get started, as well as a variety of inspiring projects from all over Europe. Ready to start? Submit your application! 

Being part of the Network of European Blue Schools

All successful projects will be showcased on the map of European Blue Schools. Every school will receive its own webpage on the Maritime Forum that can be managed and updated.

Erasmus+ is the EU's programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe. The 2021-2027 programme places a strong focus on social inclusion, the green and digital transitions, and promoting young people’s participation in democratic life. With a budget of some €26 billion, Erasmus+ 2021-2027 offers more mobility and cooperation opportunities than ever before.

• Opportunities for individuals
• Opportunities for organisations
• Search for funding calls

The European Solidarity Corps is an EU funding programme for young people wishing to engage in solidary activities in a variety of areas. The programme finances projects to engage young people in solidary activities addressing societal challenges through volunteering or by setting up their own solidary projects. The programme’s ambition is not only to be more inclusive but also greener and more digital. It is open to individuals aged 18 to 30 (35 for humanitarian aid) and to organisations in EU and partner countries.

Where can I go? European Solidarity Corps projects are available in every country member of the European Union.

How long does it last? Volunteering projects last from one month up to one year.

Who can join the ESC? Every young european aged between 18 and 30.

How much does it cost? The programme is entirely funded by the EU. Travel, food and accomodation.

Who can help me? Your National Agency and the local organisations active in your country.