STUDENTS from Eco Barge's Eco Ambassador Program have helped secure a $5000 Dreams for a Better World Community Grant from Sun Super.

"I was in shock when I received the phone call to say that Eco Barge had been selected as a finalist, it is just a remarkable way to finish the inaugural year of the Eco Ambassador Program," Eco Ambassador co-ordinator Shelly Evans said.

Eco Barge is now up against two finalists to win a further $5000 and to go into the running for the end-of-year grand final round, to win an additional $25,000.

The current round is selected by public votes, and Eco Barge asks the Whitsunday community to head to www.dreamsforabetterworld .com.au and vote for Eco Barge Clean Seas before December 20.

"This competition is such a great promotional opportunity for Eco Barge, as the whole of Australia is able to see the amazing work our volunteers are achieving and the difference that we are making in our region," Ms Evans said.

"Any funding received will go towards the Whitsunday Marine Debris Program and caring for turtles at the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre," she said.

The Eco Ambassador Program launched this year, and had two students from each local Reef Guardian school learn about how to protect our local marine environment from threats of marine debris.

The students then promote the mission of Eco Barge at their schools.

Eco Barge founding chairwoman Libby Edge said: "We could not have asked for a better group of students with their passion and dedication to the marine life of the Whitsunday region being obvious throughout the year."