Inspiring Tomorrow’s Ocean Leaders

Inspiring Tomorrow’s Ocean Leaders

Students

Team Information

Competition Rules

Study Resources

Theme Resources

NOSB Scholarship

Teachers

Team Information

Competition Rules

Study Resources

Theme Resources

Regional Coordinators

Competition Rules

Theme Resources

Volunteers

Where to Volunteer

Volunteer Roles

Competition Rules

Alumni

Alumni Spotlights

Where to Volunteer

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The NOSB is an academic competition and program that addresses a national gap in environmental and earth sciences in public education by introducing high school students to and engaging them in ocean science, preparing them for ocean science-related and other STEM careers, and helping them become knowledgeable community members and environmental stewards.

Find your local competition!

All states are eligible to compete. Contact us to learn more.

Regional NOSB competitions are held at universities, research institutions, laboratories, science centers, and aquaria across the country. Each year, up to 2,000 students from 350 high schools and 1,500 volunteers participate in the program. Use the map to find details, such as the competition date, location, and the regional coordinator’s contact information, for your closest regional competition. Interested teams should review the Information for Teams page and our Competition Rules page to ensure eligibility, then contact your nearest bowl’s regional coordinator or visit their provided website to find out how to participate.

Use the map to explore NOSB regional bowls by clicking on the green markers to see competition details.
  • Regional Bowls
  • States Hosting Regional Bowls
  • States with Regional Bowl Participants in the Last Year

Competition Year Timeline

A general overview of a typical NOSB competition year. Specific dates vary between regional competitions and years.

Fall

Regional competition dates are announced around September. Teams begin forming and preparing. Study resources update on the NOSB website.

Winter

Regional Coordinators share information about their bowl, and they begin registering teams and recruiting volunteers.

Spring

Regional competitions take place between February and March. A National Finals competition or activity takes place in May, pending available funding.

Summer

The previous competition year wraps up as preparation for the next begins. When available, award trips and prizes are coordinated with regional and national winning teams. The competition development process begins by recruiting question writers and reviewers.

Planning for the 2027 Competition Year

Good news! We have officially received the federal funding we’ve been awaiting for months. This funding will support the preparation and implementation of the 2027 competition year, including regional competitions, a virtual Finals competition/activity, and other activities such as theme and career webinars, and yearly scholarships.

We are incredibly grateful for this essential baseline support, and now we are ready to build upon it. Private sponsorships and community donations are what transform a standard competition into an unforgettable, life-changing experience for our students. More funding means enhanced regional competitions, more opportunities for students, and new initiatives.

We encourage our network of alumni, parents, and partners to consider supporting us or sharing our sponsorship opportunities to help us maximize our impact this coming year.

Are you ready to help us inspire the next wave of ocean scientists?

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