Programs

To inspire the next generation of science leaders, Ocean Discovery Institute creates learning experiences for young people traditionally excluded from science due to race, income status, and educational opportunity. Our students will join high-paying fields, break generational poverty, and change the future of science.

Believe, Achieve, & Lead

"Seed to Tree" infographic that illustrates how students participate in a continuum of science programs both in and out of school.
Our students participate in a continuum of science programs both in and out of school.

As a result of our educational programming, our students will:

  • Believe that science is something they can do and a scientist is someone they can be.
  • Achieve in science and think critically.
  • Lead in science and conservation to make a difference.

Our model provides science opportunities and experiences, mentoring, and tools for success to build belief, achievement, and leadership in underserved young people from kid to career. We provide continuous, tuition-free science education across our “school-shed” – defined as the young people that feed into and through a single high school cluster, the Herbert Hoover High School cluster in City Heights. To reach our entire school-shed, Ocean Discovery Institute offers three levels of participation.

Check out our 2024-25 Evaluation Report (PDF) to learn more about how we evaluate our programs.

In-School Programs

By partnering with every school in the Hoover High School school-shed, our In-School programming ensures that every student has the opportunity to believe that science is something they can do and a scientist is someone they can be.

Elementary School Through two experiences each year, elementary school students explore different coastal habitats and investigate into ways to make a difference.

Participants examine an item together while working outside.

Middle School In middle school, students build their community’s resiliency to climate change through experiences in their classrooms and at the Living Lab.

Students engage in discussion inside a classroom.

High School At the high school level students will dialogue with science leaders about pursuing science and becoming a leader who makes a difference in the face of systemic barriers.

Out-of-School Programs

In partnership with families, our Out-of-School programming provides place-based science and conservation programming for K-8th grade students after-school and during the summers. Longer-term relationships with students and families promote attendance at multiple programs each year of a student’s academic pathway. Programs are designed to provide students the opportunity to believe that science is something they can do while demonstrating they can achieve a positive academic performance and greater understanding of scientific concepts.

 

A student examines an item while working outside.

After-School and Summer Camps provide week-long experiences for students K-8. Curriculum themes change each academic year and summer, allowing each young person the opportunity to participate in unique programming twice a year. For students K-8.

Click here to fill out the interest form

 

A participant kneels in shallow water to examine an item below the surface.

Monthly Field Trips enable families to explore coastal environments, experience college campuses, and science and science-related companies. For students K-8. Field Trips are currently on hold.

A group of students pose together on the street near the Living Lab.

Community Events generate collective energy and a sense of belonging. For students of all ages and families. In-person events are currently on hold.

Ocean Leader Programs

Ocean Leaders is where curiosity turns into leadership.

Each year, a cohort of 8th-grade students from the Hoover cluster begins a journey that lasts far beyond high school. Over 4+ years, these students don’t just learn science, they grow up with it. Through hands-on summer research, year-round programming, and consistent mentorship, they build the skills, confidence, and identity to see themselves as scientists.

This is our most immersive program, designed for students who are ready to go further. Ocean Leaders engage in real-world science, explore college and career pathways, and receive ongoing coaching and support as they navigate high school and beyond. Along the way, they are surrounded by mentors who reflect their community and show them what’s possible.

Because when belonging comes first, young people don’t just participate in science, they lead with it.

Ocean Leaders graduate not only prepared for college, but equipped to use science as a tool for change in their community and our world.