Enhancing knowledge of marine conservation and scientific principles for today’s youth.
Each of our programs focuses on a case-study migratory species and related stewardship themes to teach about ocean conservation, in conjunction with academic science standards and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Audience
Ocean Connectors has reached over 40,000 students in underserved communities of San Diego County, California and Nayarit, Mexico with our free environmental education programs. We also reach many parents, teachers, and volunteers each year. We focus our programs in coastal areas where we can have the greatest possible impact, including communities threatened by poverty, pollution, and deficient access to parks and green space.
Knowledge & Behavior
Our students show significant increases in their knowledge of marine science, literacy, and conservation year to year. They also exhibit improvements in academic engagement, environmental attitudes and behaviors. Rigorous program evaluations are conducted each year to ensure we are continuously improving our teaching methods.
Teacher Feedback
Ocean Connectors has consistently achieved a teacher satisfaction rating of at least 90% for the past decade. Teachers are a critical part of our work, and we are always listening to their feedback. This input is truly essential to improving our program content each year.
Habitat Restoration
Ocean Connectors students have installed 6,000 native plants at wetlands and natural areas over the years! They have also cleared over three acres of invasive weeds and litter. Through our habitat restoration programs, students are creating change firsthand and making a direct positive impact on their own environment.
Eco Tours
Since establishing our Eco Tour social enterprise in 2015, we have exposed over 700 Eco Tour guests to coastal habitats that are native to San Diego County. This has broadened our educational reach to the general public by showcasing the South San Diego Bay, the nearshore waters of the Pacific Ocean, and the many species that inhabit this biodiversity hotspot.
