For the past decade, Ocean Discovery Institute has been empowering urban and diverse youth to protect our ocean and natural environment, improve the health of our communities, and strengthen our quality of life. Ocean Discovery Institute is the only non-profit in the San Diego region expressly dedicated to educating urban and diverse youth through ocean science.
Ocean Discovery Institute heads up a series of initiatives that incorporate education, scientific research, and environmental stewardship. Currently these initiatives reach 4,500+ low-income students and community members each year. All of Ocean Discovery Institute's programming is provided tuition-free. To ensure continued effectiveness, regular program assessments are conducted by a professional external evaluator with a doctorate from Harvard University.
Our work at Ocean Discovery Institute is grounded in the following core values:
Why The Ocean?
The ocean and our coastlines are an extraordinary educational resource intrinsic to San Diego. All of the primary concepts in science and conservation can be taught through ocean science including: mathematics, engineering, physics, biochemistry, geology, astronomy, ecology, physiology, molecular/biotechnology, environmental sciences, technology/computer science, and biomechanics. Using the ocean as an educational tool capitalizes on young people's instinctive attraction to the sea and builds knowledge of our planet's defining feature.Ocean Discovery Institute heads up a series of initiatives that incorporate education, scientific research, and environmental stewardship. Currently these initiatives reach 4,500+ low-income students and community members each year. All of Ocean Discovery Institute's programming is provided tuition-free. To ensure continued effectiveness, regular program assessments are conducted by a professional external evaluator with a doctorate from Harvard University.
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Meet Marlem >
Marlem's story embodies the mission of Ocean Discovery Institute to engage, educate and inspire youth from urban and diverse backgrounds through science-based exploration... read entire story > |
Learning
We believe that education and discovery are remarkable opportunities and that every person has the potential to improve their future and that of our world through the acquisition of knowledge and new ideas.Diversity
We believe that the best outcomes are achieved through prioritizing diversity. Whether it is the diversity of our board, staff, students, or scientific community, we are committed to listening to varied perspectives that challenge and refine our world view.Stewardship
We believe that as stewards we have the responsibility to use our resources wisely. Whether we are working in the natural environment or with our donors' capital, our commitment is to find the most sustainable use of those resources in order to have the greatest impact in our world.Leadership
We believe that all individuals have the capacity to lead with conviction and integrity. We improve our world by instilling leadership principles that include "walking the talk", challenging the process, empowering and encouraging others, and inspiring a shared vision.Passion
We believe that by engaging in all actions with excitement and curiosity, we can ignite a passion in each person that collectively will benefit our world.
Our Mission:
To engage, educate, and inspire youth from urban and diverse backgrounds through science-based exploration of the ocean and nature, preparing them to be tomorrow’s scientific and environmental leaders.Our Vision:
To empower urban and diverse youth to protect our ocean and natural environment, improve the health of our communities, and strengthen the quality of life in our world. |
Annual Report Download: Ocean Discovery Institute 2008 Annual Report available in PDF format. |
Marlem's Story - Strengthening Quality of Life in Our World
Became an Ocean Discovery Institute Student: 2003Engaged and Inspired By: Marlem uses science to explore, study, and protect coastal environments. She is inspired by making discoveries about nature and her ability to make a difference.
Marlem holds a wetland crab during research
Science-based Explorations: Marlem has grown up with Ocean Discovery Institute. Over several years she has participated in education programs, scientific research, and environmental stewardship. Living in an urban, diverse and often underserved community, Marlem has faced challenges in creating and pursuing a vision for her future. Her family's crowded two-bedroom home leaves no place to concentrate on homework and being the oldest sibling of six and the first in the family to attend high school, Marlem has no one in the home to turn to for academic assistance. Through Ocean Discovery Institute she has built a love of science and conservation, increased her knowledge, received academic and personal support, and discovered a future that she didn't believe was possible.
Transformed through Science: Through her participation in Ocean Discovery Institute opportunities, Marlem has found personal and academic success, building goals for the future and raising her GPA from a 2.5 to a 3.28. She has recruited two of her younger brothers into the program as well. Her involvement in science changed her life, and now she is busy changing the world.
Preparing to be Tomorrow's Scientific & Environmental Leader: Marlem has brought her passion and commitment to others by mentoring younger students much like herself. She continues to develop as a young leader through science and conservation opportunities.
Marlem's Dream for the Future: She wants to be the first in her family to attend college, become a scientist, and strengthen quality of life in our world.
Marlem's story embodies the mission of Ocean Discovery Institute to engage, educate and inspire youth from urban and diverse backgrounds through science-based exploration of the ocean and nature, preparing them to be tomorrow's scientific and environmental leaders.
"Because of Ocean Discovery Institute, I have realized my passion for science. I realize that there are no limits to reaching my goal. I am going to make a difference in this world." - Marlem Rivera, 12th grade high school student
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