How Ocean Literacy Provides Opportunities for Unique Career Paths
Do you remember your first connection to the water? Perhaps it was a family trip to the beach, a friend’s pool, or simply seeing what floated in the tub. Whatever it was, that moment was the beginning of what we call ocean literacy.
For us, ocean literacy comes when kids connect with nature to learn about ocean currents, weather, and team building, alongside traditional STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) concepts.
Community sailing centers and youth experiential education are at the core of our grant program, particularly organizations that give students their first opportunity to spend time near the ocean. The joyful experience of being on and in the water greatly increases kids’ appreciation of local waterways leading to a more engaged and knowledgeable ocean-loving community for years to come.
It also goes beyond a passion for the ocean—many of our grantee programs help students lay the foundation for careers that they may not have imagined without early exposure to the ocean.
Here are some inspiring organizations we have renewed grants with this year.