The work of Ocean Discovery Institute is designed to engage young people early in their elementary school years and to retain their involvement throughout high school, college, and beyond. We focus on a single geographic area - one community - in order to maximize the impact of our services. By integrating education, scientific research, and environmental stewardship, Ocean Discovery Institute transforms young lives and empowers these young people to strengthen the future of our region, nation, and world.

Ocean Discovery Institute Model



Ocean Discovery Institute offers opportunities for involvement at three levels:
  1. At the broadest level, young people, their families and community members are engaged through hands-on science and conservation projects.
  2. Within local elementary and middle schools, the organization provides classroom and field-based ocean science education.
  3. At the middle, high school and college levels Ocean Discovery Institute provides intensive programming and services.
“These programs grab their souls. I wouldn’t think anyone would use the word spiritual, but it’s closer to that than anything I’ve ever seen, in the way kids respond and the way their entire persona is changed.”
- Paul Dayton, Professor, Scripps Institution of Oceanography