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

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.

When Ximena first came to Ocean Discovery Institute as a kindergartener, she was simply curious about the world around h...
05/20/2026

When Ximena first came to Ocean Discovery Institute as a kindergartener, she was simply curious about the world around her. Now, as a 3rd grader, she talks about wanting to help nature and protect the environment. 🌎💙

She loves coming to Ocean Discovery because, in her words, “the teachers make science fun and easy to understand.” Through hands-on science, outdoor exploration, and mentors who encourage her curiosity every day, Ximena is growing up believing science is a place where she belongs.

She’s already counting down the days until summer camp. ☀️🔬

This is what happens when students are surrounded by consistency, care, and opportunities year after year.

Because of partners like Bumble Bee Seafoods, Hologic, and Neurocrine Biosciences, students in City Heights continue to ...
05/18/2026

Because of partners like Bumble Bee Seafoods, Hologic, and Neurocrine Biosciences, students in City Heights continue to experience hands-on science opportunities that spark curiosity, build confidence, and open doors to future careers in STEM.

Thank you to our SPLASH! Gold Sponsors for investing in free, high-quality science education and helping ensure every young person has the opportunity to feel seen, supported, and that they belong in science.

Your support makes it possible for students to explore, discover, and grow into the next generation of science and conservation leaders. 🌊🔬💙

Students come to Ocean Discovery Institute curious.Curious about science.Curious about the world around them.Curious abo...
05/14/2026

Students come to Ocean Discovery Institute curious.

Curious about science.
Curious about the world around them.
Curious about who they might become.

But over time, something powerful happens.

They begin to discover something within themselves.

A student who was once unsure begins to ask bigger questions.
A young person who never saw themselves in science starts leading experiments, speaking with confidence, and imagining a future they once thought was out of reach.

Because at Ocean Discovery, students don’t just learn science, they discover that they belong in it.

And even more importantly, they discover that a scientist is already living within them.

That transformation happens because of this community.

Because of supporters who provide the tools, opportunities, mentorship, and spaces our students need to feel seen, supported, and connected.

You help create a place where students don’t just participate—they grow into who they are meant to become.

This is what belonging makes possible.
This is what your support makes possible.

💬 Comment below:
What’s a moment in your life when curiosity led you somewhere unexpected—or helped you discover something new about yourself?

05/14/2026

Our 2026 City Heights CDC Champion Scholars Scholarship is now open ⭐️

This opportunity provides financial and technological support to students across the City of San Diego who are currently enrolled or set to enroll in a college or vocational program this fall.

Applications are due Friday, June 5th at 5 PM.

To apply, visit the link in our bio or head to cityheightscdc.org/champion-scholars.

Questions? Reach out to [email protected]

05/14/2026

Reminder: All families of currently enrolled students should log in to the PowerSchool Parent Portal and complete the Student Registration for Next Year form for the 2026-27 school year.

Go to https://powerschool.sandi.net
Log in to your PowerSchool Parent Portal

05/12/2026

We had the honor of welcoming Dr. Fabi Bagula, SDUSD Superintendent, into our space, and what stood out most wasn’t just our programs; it was our students.

From the moment she walked in, she experienced science in action. Students asking questions, leading conversations, and showing what’s possible when young people are given consistent access to opportunity.

What inspired her most?
Seeing students fully engaged, curious, confident, and owning their learning.

She shared something powerful: every student deserves opportunities like this.

We couldn’t agree more.

We’re grateful for leaders who take the time to see this work up close, to listen to our students, and to believe in what’s possible when we invest in them long-term.

Because this isn’t just a visit, it’s a shared commitment to ensuring more young people have the chance to grow up with science.

Thank you, Dr. Bagula, for showing up for our students.

Address

4255 Thorn Street
San Diego, CA
92105

Telephone

+16197958365

Website

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