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

🎓 Celebrating an unforgettable Ocean Discovery Graduation for the Class of 2026!We are incredibly proud of our graduatin...
06/09/2026

🎓 Celebrating an unforgettable Ocean Discovery Graduation for the Class of 2026!

We are incredibly proud of our graduating Ocean Leaders and all they have accomplished on their journeys to this milestone. This fall, our seniors will head to college ready to pursue their goals, many as first-generation college students taking the next step toward their futures.

A special thank you to the San Diego Foundation for investing in every member of our graduating class through scholarships that help make their college dreams possible.

We were also honored to celebrate two Ocean Leaders who received the highly competitive Walter Munk Scholarship. In a program that typically recognizes just one student, two of our graduates were selected this year—an incredible testament to their hard work, leadership, and potential.

These scholarships represent more than financial support. They are a recognition of what our students have achieved and a reminder of what is possible when young people are given the opportunity, mentorship, and support to thrive.

Congratulations, Class of 2026—we can't wait to see what you accomplish next. 💙🎓

Happy World Oceans Day! 💙 Today, our 10th Grade Ocean Leaders are in Bahía de los Ángeles, exploring one of the most bio...
06/08/2026

Happy World Oceans Day! 💙 Today, our 10th Grade Ocean Leaders are in Bahía de los Ángeles, exploring one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world.

This protected area has been a classroom, a research site, and a place of discovery for generations of Ocean Discovery students. It’s where young people develop a deeper connection to the ocean, learn from scientists, and see firsthand why protecting our natural world matters.

As we celebrate World Oceans Day, we’re reminded that the future of our oceans depends on the next generation of leaders who understand, value, and advocate for them.

From City Heights to Bahía de los Ángeles, our students are building the knowledge, confidence, and passion to help shape a healthier future for our ocean and our planet.

💙 Happy World Oceans Day!

Summer Camp starts this week, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome a new group of young scientists to Ocean Discov...
06/08/2026

Summer Camp starts this week, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome a new group of young scientists to Ocean Discovery Institute! 🌊🔬☀️

Because of the support of our sponsors, students in City Heights will spend their summer exploring science through hands-on learning, building confidence, making new friends, and discovering opportunities they may have never imagined possible.

To our sponsors and supporters: thank you for investing in our students and helping make these transformative experiences a reality. We can’t wait to see what this summer brings! 💙

🎡🔬 The San Diego County Fair is almost here! Starting June 10, we’re inviting our community to explore, discover, and ce...
06/06/2026

🎡🔬 The San Diego County Fair is almost here! Starting June 10, we’re inviting our community to explore, discover, and celebrate all the fun that summer has to offer. From hands-on exhibits and agriculture to animals, innovation, and creativity, the fair is a reminder that science and discovery can be found everywhere around us. 🌎✨

Whether you’re going for the rides, food, live entertainment, or opportunities to learn something new, there’s something for everyone at the fair this year!

🎟️ Tickets are available now at San Diego County Fair Tickets

We hope to see our students, families, and supporters out there celebrating curiosity, community, and summer together! ☀️💙 Visit: https://www.sdfair.com/

🌿 California's trails, parks, canyons, and outdoor spaces belong to all of us and your voice can help shape their future...
06/04/2026

🌿 California's trails, parks, canyons, and outdoor spaces belong to all of us and your voice can help shape their future.

The California Natural Resources Agency and California State Parks are asking Californians to share how they use, experience, and value outdoor spaces through the California Trails Survey.

The survey takes just 5 minutes to complete, and your feedback will help inform future trail planning, outdoor access, and funding decisions across the state.

At Ocean Discovery Institute, we know how powerful access to nature can be. From exploring local canyons to learning along our coastlines, outdoor spaces inspire curiosity, connection, and belonging for our students and community.

📅 Survey closes Monday, June 8.

Take the survey and help ensure California's outdoor spaces reflect the needs and experiences of communities across the state.

🔗 https://www.myinput.com/CaliforniaTrailsSurvey/survey

to a story that reminds us what’s possible when a community invests in its young people.Earlier this spring, GB Magazi...
06/04/2026

to a story that reminds us what’s possible when a community invests in its young people.

Earlier this spring, GB Magazine featured Ocean Discovery alum Susan, who returned to mentor students after beginning her own journey right here in City Heights.

Today, she’s a PhD student in Oceanography, helping open doors for the next generation of science leaders. Through our partnership with Southwest Airlines, students can visit colleges, explore new opportunities, and imagine futures they may have never thought possible.

This is what long-term investment looks like: students who don’t just succeed—they come back and help others do the same.

💙🌊

Read the Full Story Here, pages 50- 51: https://gbsan.com/gb-magazine-april-2026-edition/

06/03/2026

Throughout May, we shared what belonging looks like. This summer, we'll see what belonging becomes.

Our Summer Teacher Fellows are getting ready to welcome nearly 300 students for a summer of hands-on science, discovery, and innovation. Through this year's theme, Robots Are Everywhere, students will explore technology, build new skills, and grow their confidence in a place where they know they belong.

🤖☀️ We can't wait to get started.

06/02/2026
All month long, you’ve seen what happens at Ocean Discovery Institute, the behind-the-scenes moments, the hands-on learn...
05/27/2026

All month long, you’ve seen what happens at Ocean Discovery Institute, the behind-the-scenes moments, the hands-on learning, and the real impact your support has on our students. Because of you, discovery happens every single day. 🌊🔬✨

Now, you have the opportunity to keep that momentum going.

By becoming a member of our monthly donor community or making a one-time gift, you help ensure more students have access to transformative science experiences, mentorship, and opportunities that shape their future.

Together, we can continue making discovery possible. 💙

Click here and be a part of something special: our Community of Monthly Donors! https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form/?svcid=renxt&formId=198e8c47-91b8-4654-8f1d-97148c004453&envid=p-UJ7_sa3AuE-DrABvx4zJFw&zone=usa&bbeml=tp-UJ7_sa3AuE-DrABvx4zJFw.j74UC3HZHLkKC-PweeVGNDg.roQRf8Hx3GUan7_x-EIvc4Q.l9NvMcHTAl0yFEqSBq-ETtw

We’re heartbroken by Monday’s attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego. We are holding our Muslim students, families, a...
05/21/2026

We’re heartbroken by Monday’s attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego.

We are holding our Muslim students, families, and neighbors in our hearts during this painful time. Every young person deserves to feel safe, valued, and like they belong in their community. Hate and violence have no place here.

To our Muslim students and families: you are not alone. We grieve with you and remain committed to creating spaces where all students are seen, supported, and safe.

Address

4255 Thorn Street
San Diego, CA
92105

Telephone

+16197958365

Website

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