The 2025-2026 Underwater Mentorship Program applications are now closed. By November 26th the selected mentee will be notified and invited to a preliminary meeting with Nova where they will discuss goals and confirm acceptance of mentorship.

So what’s this program about?

      Integrated into the core of Nova’s work is an impact campaign designed to equip Queer creatives with the tools and platform to tell their own stories. As a nonbinary wildlife filmmaker, Nova has found that Queer stories told without Queer people behind the camera can often become problematic and spread misinformation. Dually, it is crushingly difficult for Queer people to get the tools, skills, network, and resources they need to delve into underwater storytelling. Through this impact campaign, Nova has developed two branches designed to tackle this issue by supporting Queer talent: Queer-told stories and mentorship.
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​      Each year Nova works with one mentee who identifies as Queer and has a desire to learn underwater storytelling. The selected mentee receives one-on-one mentorship from Nova throughout the timespan of a year, which includes at least one opportunity to join them in-person for hands-on field work. Supplementing field work opportunities are 101 skill building sessions that span all areas of film development and production, and skill tracking worksheets to measure program impact and expansion. Throughout the program, present mentees have the opportunity to connect with former mentees, building a network of Queer creators who can meet, support, collaborate, and grow with one another.

What does this mentorship include?

​      The selected mentee will receive:
  • Monthly check-ins and goal-setting with Nova
  • Monthly virtual workshops from Nova
  • Connection with Nova’s 2024-2025 mentee
  • One expense paid trip to work with Nova in person on technical camera skills
  • One $500 stipend
  • One LaCie hard drive

Who can apply?

Anyone who meets the following requirements are welcome to apply:
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Must be proficient in English and live within the continental US
  • Must identify as LGBTQIA+ in some capacity
  • No prior storytelling experience is required, however you must have a demonstrated desire and ability to develop your storytelling skills
  • SCUBA or freediving skills not required but preferred
  • Proficient in swimming both in freshwater and saltwater
  • Ability to travel within the US for a multi-day in-person training session
  • Ability to commit to 100 hours of professional development
​For a detailed list of goals and commitments please visit this document. ​​

How is this funded?

Nova is able to provide this mentorship opportunity on a volunteer basis thanks to generous contributions from partner organizations. Below are the funders for each mentorship cycle:
  • 2024-2025: National Geographic, Conservation Nation, and Ocean Culture Life
  • 2025-2026: Conservation Nation
This important work would not be possible without these funders, as their contributions directly impact the scale of the program each year. If you or your organization are interested in making a contribution to the program, please reach out to Nova via the CONTACT tab!

Other FAQ:

Will this be available to international applicants in the future?
​      Absolutely! The biggest factor is the annual grant budget for mentee travel, so this year there wasn’t a big enough budget for purchasing international flights. Unfortunately this required the mentee to be within the continental US, but in the future when there is a larger budget this program will be open to global applicants!

Do I need to be out as Queer to apply?
​      This is a tough question, but the short answer is no! If you are closeted, feel free to mention that in your application, and if selected we can talk about ways to navigate this together. As long as you identify as Queer, no matter where you are in your journey, your outward visibility will not impact your eligibility.

I already have a lot of experience in underwater storytelling. Is this mentorship for me?
​      Honestly, it’s up to you to decide if you think this could be beneficial to you. Think about the things you’ll gain access to - skill sets, tools, workflows, technical gear, my network, and community - and if any of those feel helpful to you you’re more than welcome to apply! This mentorship program is scaleable based on experience, and as long as there is something you can gain from it I’d love to hear exactly where you’re at and how you foresee growth in this opportunity.
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