European Blue Schools is an initiative of the European Commission, supported by Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries and was developed by the EU4Ocean Coalition partners. Creating awareness and a feeling of responsibility for the ocean (so-called Ocean Literacy) encourages students to become more active and responsible European and global citizens. The program challenges schools to Find the Blue and explore their connections to the ocean while creating networks all across Europe. 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. The aim is to make the ocean a relevant part of the school curriculum through project-based learning. By successfully completing the Find the Blue challenge, schools will receive a European Blue School certification. All certified European Blue Schools become part of the Network of European Blue Schools.
The European Blue School initiative is open to all schools within the European Union and schools that collaborate with schools in the European Union. These schools can apply to receive the certification and can take part in the online European Blue School Community. The application form is available in English only.
Applications are evaluated by reviewers of the Network of European Blue Schools, twice a year:
- Submissions for the 1st semester are accepted between 15 August and 1 December. Applications are reviewed in December.
- Submissions for the 2nd semester are accepted between 15 January and 15 May. Applications are reviewed in May-June.
