THIS IS A STORY ABOUT OPPORTUNITY
Most nonprofits work with some students, some of the time.
We commit to every kid in one community for their entire journey.
Kindergarten through their first job. Tuition-free. Year after year. And that changes everything.
THE PROOF
7,000 young people get hands-on science in City Heights each year: all tuition-free
C’s to B’s students move up and score ⅓ higher on standardized tests than peers
90% of Ocean Leaders enroll in higher education vs. less than half of peers
60x more likely to work in a science-related field than their peers
25+ YEARS IN CITY HEIGHTS & 75,000 LIVES TOUCHED
2010 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics & Engineering Mentoring
2016 CNN Hero Award
OUR PROGRAMS
In-School Science Every student in the Hoover cluster does real science during the school day: field trips, labs, live research.
Out-of-School Camps After-school and summer programs. Camp participants increase math grades 10% in a single week.
Ocean Leaders Multi-year high school cohort: research, college prep, internships, alumni mentors, and science careers.
A SCIENTIST’S PERSPECTIVE
“You invest in these kids early and once they eventually come to you, they’re going to come at these problems with a completely different point of view that you’ve never even considered. And that will drive the innovation you’re looking for.”
— Ahiram, Senior Scientist, Novartis & Ocean Discovery alum, Class of 2010
A STUDENT’S PERSPECTIVE
“I love being in nature. It makes me feel calm and happy. I’ve learned so much about protecting the ocean, and it makes me want to help. I want to be a scientist. And I want other students to have this experience too.”
— Viviana, age 10, Ocean Discovery student
40% of our staff and nearly a quarter of our leadership are Ocean Discovery alumni.
When kids grow up with science, we get more science leaders. One generation changes the next.
LEADERSHIP
SHARA FISLER – Executive Director & Founder
As Founder and Executive Director, Shara envisions how Ocean Discovery can make the greatest difference locally and nationally. Her leadership ensures resources, strategies, and culture carry out our mission of transforming young lives through science. Shara’s highlighted accomplishments include receiving a CNN Hero Award, leading a campaign raising $20 million through contributions and partnerships, and representing Ocean Discovery when accepting the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring. Shara holds a B.S. from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and an M.A. from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.
RUDY VARGAS – CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND PROGRAM ALUM CLASS OF 2008
Rudy Vargas serves as Chair of the Ocean Discovery Institute Board of Directors and is the Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at Price Philanthropies Foundation, where he advances initiatives that improve opportunities for youth and families. Previously, Rudy served U.S. Senators Kamala D. Harris and Alex Padilla as Border Affairs and District Director for San Diego and Imperial counties, following his work representing City Heights on the San Diego City Council. Throughout his career, he has remained deeply committed to strengthening the City Heights community through public service, philanthropy, and nonprofit leadership. Rudy holds degrees in Political Science and Environmental Studies from San Diego State University and is passionate about creating lasting community impact through collaboration and opportunity.
CARLA CAMACHO – MANAGER OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, PROGRAM ALUM CLASS OF 2007
As Manager of Business Development and program alumna, Carla uses her experience and knowledge of her neighborhood to incorporate community perspective and guide our impact. She works closely with community members, fellow alums, funders, and partners to inform, share, and expand our work as our spokesperson, Alumni Advisory Council Leader, and steward of donor relationships. Since 2011, Carla’s highlighted accomplishments include leading 5,000 neighbors to restore our local urban canyon, becoming a RISE Urban Leader Fellow, and receiving the Neighborhood Builders Emerging Leader Award. Carla holds a B.A. in Politics and Latin-American Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz.
For additional information, interview requests, or media inquiries, please contact our Communications Manager:
Antonio Cerecedo Figueroa – Email: tfigueroa@oceandi.org