Ocean Discovery Institute

Ocean Discovery Institute Ocean Discovery Institute uses ocean science to empower young people from underserved urban community The U.S.

Ocean Discovery Institute - Young Lives Transformed Through Science

The poor performance of American students in science has been recognized as a national crisis. Department of Education reports that when tested for science knowledge, U.S. high school students ranked in the bottom seven of all countries tested. The current educational structure results in large groups of students who are signif

icantly underprepared to pursue education and careers in the sciences. Students of color and low-income students are far less likely to receive science education and to pursue the higher education necessary for most science- and technology-based careers. Deficiencies in science education have far reaching consequences for our country. In today’s globalized economy, America’s competitiveness increasingly depends on a diverse workforce well-educated in science, engineering and technology. Experts have concluded that the greatest prospect to increase the size and quality of our scientific workforce is to provide opportunity to the untapped talent in underrepresented groups. We must attract more students to science earlier, particularly those who historically have not been drawn to the field, and hold their interest, providing the resources and support they need to advance to college and successful careers. These issues and trends are especially acute in San Diego. Science- and technology-based careers represent many of the fastest growing and highest wage job sectors in the region. With over 500 biomedical companies and billions invested in research, San Diego is a place of great opportunity in the sciences. However, large numbers of San Diego’s children are not receiving the science education necessary to pursue career opportunities in these fields and California tests 2nd from the bottom in the United States. Ocean Discovery Institute was created 10 years ago to leverage San Diego’s natural environments as a means to engage young people from underserved communities and inspire them to become part of the next generation of scientific and environmental leaders. Many of our high school graduates are on their way; currently achieving higher education at leading institutions including:

•Brown University
•University of California Berkeley
•University of California Davis
•University of California Los Angeles
•University of California Santa Barbara
•University of California San Diego
•University of California Santa Cruz
•University of San Diego
•San Diego State University

🎒🔬 Starting the school year curious, confident, and ready for more!A special thank you to our SPLASH Bronze Sponsors: Ca...
09/04/2026

🎒🔬 Starting the school year curious, confident, and ready for more!

A special thank you to our SPLASH Bronze Sponsors: Cavignac, ESA, KP Environmental Consulting, San Diego Foundation, and University of San Diego for helping our students grow up with science.

Because of your support, students get to experience science firsthand, from dissecting a squid for the first time to exploring coastal habitats and discovering what it means to think like a scientist.

These experiences help students start the school year knowing something important: they belong in science, and they are capable of what comes next. 💙🌊

Thank you for investing in our students and the future of science.

Remember Victor? 🔬 He’s now starting his second year at CSU San Marcos, studying Mechanical Engineering! 🎓This is what h...
09/03/2026

Remember Victor? 🔬 He’s now starting his second year at CSU San Marcos, studying Mechanical Engineering! 🎓

This is what happens when young people are given opportunities to experience science, build confidence, and see themselves as someone who belongs in STEM: they begin to believe they can do it, and then they do.

Victor’s journey is a reminder of what’s possible when we invest in students for the long term. We can’t wait to see where he goes next! 💙

09/02/2026

Thank you for sharing and helping elevate our story! 💙 We’re grateful for your continued support, and for celebrating our staff, students, and the opportunities that help young people see that they belong in science. 🌊🔬

09/01/2026

Looking for a way to give back? Volunteer with Ocean Discovery Institute!

Students don’t become scientists overnight. It takes hands-on experiences, mentorship, and a community that continues to show up for them.

Join us for Community Service Day on September 16 and help create a space where thousands of students can explore, grow, and know they belong in science. 💙

📅 September 16
📍 Ocean Discovery Institute, Living Lab

Show up. Give back. Be part of their journey. Shoutout to ESA who attended our last Service Day right here at our Living Lab!

Click here to sign up today: https://oceandiscoveryinstitute.rosterfy.com/login

So grateful to California Sea Grant for their partnership and for helping bring meaningful, hands-on science experiences...
09/01/2026

So grateful to California Sea Grant for their partnership and for helping bring meaningful, hands-on science experiences to more students and communities. 💙🌊

We’re proud to have been part of developing this resource and thankful for the shared commitment to inspiring young people to understand and care for our ocean.

For 26 years, the Port of San Diego has partnered with Ocean Discovery Institute to help young people see that they belo...
08/27/2026

For 26 years, the Port of San Diego has partnered with Ocean Discovery Institute to help young people see that they belong in science. 🌊🔬

Through the Port’s Environmental Education Program, thousands of students have experienced hands-on science, connected with our local environment, and discovered their potential as the next generation of science leaders.

This is what long-term investment in young people can make possible. When students have consistent opportunities to explore, learn, and grow with science year after year, they build confidence, deepen their sense of belonging, and begin to see new possibilities for their futures.

We’re deeply grateful to the Port of San Diego for 26 years of partnership and for believing in what’s possible when we invest in students for the long term. 💙

🌊 You’ve seen what happens when students are given the opportunity to thrive. Now, help keep it going.You saw them take ...
08/25/2026

🌊 You’ve seen what happens when students are given the opportunity to thrive. Now, help keep it going.

You saw them take the stage and proudly share what they accomplished. You saw them head back to school with new confidence. And you saw the mentors, families, volunteers, scientists, and supporters who helped make it all possible.

But their journey doesn’t stop here.

The experiences, relationships, and sense of belonging students build today are preparing them for college, careers, and the real world.

And YOU can help keep that momentum going. 💙

Mentor. Volunteer. Become a monthly donor. However you choose to show up, you’re helping students continue to discover what they’re capable of and where their curiosity can take them.

Their next chapter is beginning. Be part of it. 🌊 Visit our website to learn more: www.oceandiscoveryinstitute.org

This summer was filled with moments that will last far beyond the season. 🌊💙Students challenged themselves, formed new f...
08/21/2026

This summer was filled with moments that will last far beyond the season. 🌊💙

Students challenged themselves, formed new friendships, learned alongside scientists and mentors, and discovered just how much they are capable of.

But perhaps most importantly, they experienced what it feels like to belong, in science, in a community that believes in them, and in spaces they may have never imagined themselves before.

As we reflect on an incredible summer, we are deeply grateful to our Gold Sponsors, Bumble Bee Seafoods, Hologic, and Neurocrine Biosciences. Your support helped create experiences that build confidence, open doors, and remind students that their ideas, their voices, and their futures matter.

The summer may be ending, but its impact is only beginning. 🌊🔬

🌊 These are just a few stories from a summer that transformed so many.Our high school Ocean Leaders stepped into new exp...
08/21/2026

🌊 These are just a few stories from a summer that transformed so many.

Our high school Ocean Leaders stepped into new experiences, embraced challenges, pushed beyond their comfort zones, and learned more about who they are and what they’re capable of.

Each student’s journey looked different, but together, their reflections tell a powerful story of growth, confidence, resilience, and belonging.

And these are just a few of the many stories that unfolded this summer. 💙

As our students begin a new school year, they carry those experiences with them and a stronger belief that they belong in science and that their futures are full of possibility.

💙🌊 Behind every confident student is a community that shows them they belong. This summer, mentors, volunteers, scientis...
08/18/2026

💙🌊 Behind every confident student is a community that shows them they belong.

This summer, mentors, volunteers, scientists, families, and supporters encouraged our students to stay curious, ask questions, take risks, and see what’s possible for themselves.

Through those relationships, students aren’t just learning science; they’re building confidence, practicing real-world skills, and seeing pathways to college, careers, and futures they can imagine themselves in.

Belonging gives them the confidence to explore. Curiosity helps them grow. Community helps them see where it can lead.

Thank you for being part of that journey. 💙

Address

4255 Thorn Street
San Diego, CA
92105

Telephone

+16197958365

Website

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