Marine Science and Conservation School Outreach Campaign

Incentive Fund

Amount: $5000

Provided By: Ocean First Institute Board of Directors

Details: Your donation will be matched dollar for dollar by our Board of Directors up to $5,000!

Summary

We rely on our ocean to keep us healthy, even here in the mountains - from the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the water we drink. Today, more than ever, our ocean's health is in jeopardy. The problems are big, but now is the time to take action. You can make a difference, be a voice for the ocean, and help protect it for future generations.

Over the past three years, Ocean First Institute has helped over 3,000 local youth (K-12) discover the wonders of our ocean. From virtual SCUBA diving to dissections, from local community action projects to mock field research exercises, we give students the opportunity to explore marine science and conservation right here in the mountains of Colorado.

We have motivated our youth to help preserve the ocean and its wildlife. Through school programs, we give students the opportunity to not only learn about the marine environment, but also how to become better stewards for the ocean. Inspired by our programs, student groups from elementary through high school have designed their own school recycling program, carried out local creek and highway cleanups, reduced energy use within their school, and even created their own artwork made from trash collected during cleanups.

"I think everybody has a voice, if you have the knowledge…I can make a difference and we can impact our oceans and save them." Ryane, 11

The ocean is in trouble and each and every one of us can be part of the solution. We give students the opportunity to do just that. No matter your age or where you live, you can make a difference. Help us create the future we want to see and help us reach students in schools throughout Colorado.

$5 - Supports one student in an in-school marine science program, helping them to discover the importance of our ocean!
$25 - Supports supplies for one of our current in-school outreach programs for an entire semester, such as The Truth About Sharks, The Story of the Sea Turtle, or Let's Talk Trash!, helping to bring incredible hands-on experiments and unique props for hundreds of students!
$50 - Supports supplies for 25 students participating in a local conservation challenge, such as the Say No to Plastic Straws challenge, helping provide students with fun handouts, such as stainless steel straws, to encourage their participation in positive actions for our environment.
$150 - Supports an entire classroom with supplies and in-school lessons, as well as a presentation by an OFI staff scientist, for an incredible ocean discovery experience, helping to encourage over 30 students in exploring the fields of STEM and ocean exploration!
$600 - Supports a school with an entire semester of programming and OFI staff guidance through marine science lessons and local community projects, helping to inspire over 100 students to become better stewards for our blue planet!

Every dollar counts and each donation will be increased thanks to the Colorado Gives Day incentive fund! You can schedule a donation early, or you can donate on Colorado Gives Day, December 5th.

Help us reach our goal of $10,000 to provide our programs for over 2,000 local students in 2018! Working together we can ensure the health of the ocean for generations to come! Thank you for your support!