Ocean Discovery Institute

Name: Ocean Discovery Institute
Address: 4255 Thorn Street, San Diego, CA, 92105, US
Telephone: +16197958365
Price range: Not Applicable
Rating: 4.9

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United States
San Diego, CA
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

02/27/2025

🌊 Join us for Splash! Ocean Discovery's annual fundraiser! 🌊

SPLASH! is where we celebrate everything our students have achieved. This event helps our programs stay 100% tuition-free! Your contributions really make a difference. We’d love for you and your friends to join us for this special evening! There will be great food from a local Mexican eatery, drinks, and, opportunities to meet our students, bid on virtual auction items, and raise your paddle to give directly to our programs.

Don’t miss this special night! 💙

🎟 Click the link and purchase your tickets today! https://oceandiscoveryinstitute.org/events/

02/27/2025

Dont miss out on this amazing opportunity! Apply Today!!

02/25/2025

🌍✨❤️ We had an absolute blast at the City Heights Multicultural Festival of Love! ✨🌍

From the incredible performances to the delicious food and all the amazing conversations in between, this event was a beautiful celebration of what makes City Heights so special—its diversity! 💙🌎

We also loved being part of the Peace Walk, joining neighbors and friends in a powerful moment of unity. Walking together was a reminder that City Heights isn’t just diverse—it’s a community that uplifts and supports one another.

With over 60 countries represented and more than 30 languages spoken, City Heights is a true global village, and we’re so grateful to be part of it. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth, shared stories, and celebrated with us. Can’t wait to do it again!

02/24/2025

🌊 Join us for Splash! Ocean Discovery's annual fundraiser! 🌊

Enjoy delicious bites from our local Mexican Eatery, plus beer & wine. Dress in cocktail attire and hear from students, join a virtual auction, and raise your paddle to support future science leaders!

Don’t miss this special night! 💙

🎟 Click here for tickets: https://oceandiscoveryinstitute.org/events/

02/21/2025

🌊🔍 On day one, our students dive into adventure with a fun scavenger hunt! Using math, science, and teamwork, they solve puzzles, find clues, and uncover their mission for the week. 🧩✨ Let the exploration begin!

02/20/2025

🌊✨ Ocean Discovery’s first graders are diving into exploration at the stunning Cabrillo National Monument! 🦀🔬 From investigating marine animals to spotting soaring seabirds, they’re using the Science Discovery Process to uncover the wonders of the kelp forest. 🌿

🐦 Every discovery sparks curiosity and brings them one step closer to becoming young scientists! 🔍💡

02/19/2025

🌍✨ Celebrate Unity in Diversity with Us! ✨🌍

This Saturday, Ocean Discovery Institute will have a booth at the City Heights Multicultural Festival of Love—a celebration of the rich cultures that make this community so special! 🎉

Why is diversity so important in City Heights? 🌎💙 Because it’s what makes this neighborhood thrive! Home to people from over 60 countries, speaking more than 30 languages, City Heights is a true global village. This vibrant mix of cultures brings unique traditions, flavors, and perspectives that strengthen the community, foster innovation, and create a place where everyone belongs.

Come experience it firsthand with live performances, music, raffles, a fun zone, food vendors, and more—all showcasing the beauty of San Diego’s most diverse neighborhood. 🌮🎶🌏

📍 Join us and celebrate the power of diversity! We can't wait to see you there!

02/17/2025

🌊🇺🇸 Honoring a Historic Moment this Presidents Day!

This President's Day, we take a look back at an unforgettable moment, when Ocean Discovery Institute received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring from President Obama! 🎖️✨ This prestigious award recognized our dedication to mentoring underrepresented students and inspiring them to achieve greatness in STEM.

For over 25 years, we’ve been committed to providing free science education to the City Heights community. Today, we’re prouder than ever of the work we do to empower the next generation of science leaders! 🌎🔬🚀

02/13/2025

Franklin Elementary 4th graders are making a real impact at our Living Lab! 🌿✨ They rolled up their sleeves to help clean the canyon in our backyard and put their STEM skills to the test—studying the elasticity of kelp like true biomechanical engineers! 🧪

🌊 Way to go, future scientists and environmental stewards! 💙

02/12/2025

🌊🔬 Join Us as a Virtual Science Leader! Are you passionate about STEM and eager to inspire the next generation? 🌟 Participate in a 20-minute virtual Q&A facilitated by Ocean Discovery’s Instructors, where you’ll share your career journey and insights as a Science Leader!

✨ Engage with students
✨ Answer their questions
✨ Encourage exploration of STEM careers

🔬Your story could be the spark that ignites a student’s passion for science! 🚀

📩 Interested? Reach out to [email protected] for more details!

02/11/2025

🌊🐠 Our students had an AMAZING week with Fernanda, our 🌟 Scientist-in-Residence! From exploring the coast with 🏝️ 1st graders to coding 🤖 robots with Out-of-School students, and inspiring our 🌱 Ocean Leaders with her work in 🪸 coral restoration in La Paz, Mexico! 🌎💙

Thank you, Fernanda, for your passion and mentorship! We can’t wait to welcome you back in the future! 🙌✨

🚀🔬

02/10/2025

🎉 What a FIESTA! A huge THANK YOU to all of our incredible alumni who joined us this weekend for our Alumni FIESTA! 💙✨ It was amazing to reconnect, share laughs, and enjoy delicious food made with love by Isabel’s mom.

From playing Lotería and Pin the Tail on the Donkey to breaking open a piñata, the energy and joy you all brought made this event unforgettable! 🪅🎶

Want to stay connected and be part of more alumni fun? Click here to learn how you can stay involved! https://youtu.be/zL2uLi33LLc?si=-1A1qQ_AEwJKpV2_

02/10/2025

02/06/2025

🌟 Early bird tickets are NOW AVAILABLE! 🎟️

Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of inspiration, community, and celebration! Enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres from a local Mexican eatery, sip on beer & wine, and mingle in your finest cocktail attire.

✨ Be inspired by powerful student stories
🔹 Take part in an exciting virtual auction
🚀 Raise your paddle to support future science leaders

Your support helps create opportunities for young adults to explore, discover, and lead in STEM. Secure your early bird tickets today! 🎉 Click the following link and purchase your tickets today! https://ow.ly/FpJE50USC4V

02/05/2025

🌊🐋✨ For the second year running, our Ocean Leaders and families embarked on an unforgettable whale-watching journey! 🚢🌟 We immersed ourselves in the magic of the ocean, surrounded by humpback whales, dolphins, sea lions, and soaring seagulls!

📚🌊 Two incredible educators from the San Diego Natural History Museum (the NAT) joined us, sharing insights on ocean conservation and the remarkable adaptations of humpback whales in capturing their food.

Fun Fact: 🐋🦠 Did you know barnacles and whale lice can hitch a ride on whales for many years? These tiny passengers don’t harm the whales but help filter food as they travel the ocean! 🌊🌟

Special thanks to the San Diego National History Museum, San Diego Whale Watch and to the Outdoor Equity Grants Program (created through AB 209 and administered by the California State Parks Office of Grants and Local Services).

02/04/2025

🌊 Our staff retreat was an unforgettable experience! We faced challenges together, explored V.U.C.A. (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity), and had powerful conversations about culture, growth, and the exciting road ahead. Through reflection, connection, and community-building, we strengthened our bond and left feeling recharged and ready to make a difference in 2025! 🌟

🌟 A huge thank you to Mission Trails Regional Park for the beautiful space and to Dr. Zachary Greene and Loretta Turner for an incredible workshop that brought us closer as a team. Here’s to a year of impact, innovation, and working together to shape the future of Ocean Discovery! 💙

02/03/2025

🌟 Our Teaching Fellows just returned from the Notre Dame Mission Volunteer Mid-Year Conference: Unity in Community!

🌍✨ They connected with volunteers from across the country, gained valuable professional development, and explored the city of Baltimore. We're so proud of them for representing Ocean Discovery Institute and bringing back new insights to our community! 💙🐠

Go Awesome! 🚀

Address

4255 Thorn Street
San Diego, CA
92105

Telephone

+16197958365

Website

http://OceanDiscoveryInstitute.org/

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Videos

🌟 We want to give a shoutout to one of our earliest and most devoted supporters, Sean Caddell! Since the inception of Ocean Discovery, Sean has been a huge contributor and a valued Monthly Donor. Thank you, Sean, for your dedication to our mission and for supporting the next generation of Science Leaders from City Heights! Your support truly makes a difference! 🔬✨ 🌟 Join Sean and become a Monthly Donor today! If you join us now and we hit our target, the David C. Copley Foundation will award Ocean Discovery a $5,000 challenge grant! 📢 Sign up today and click the “monthly” tab to donate! 🙌 https://ow.ly/Btxp50TVW3t #CityHeights #OceanLeaders #EarlyEducation #SanDiego #STEMlearning #HooverHigh #SDUSD #OceanDiscoveryInstitute #STEM #Funding #Donors #FreeTuitionPrograms

Just a day in the life of our 3rd year science summer program at USD. #ScienceSummerProgram #USDScience #STEMEducation #ScienceStudents #ScienceCamp #STEMProgram #HandsOnLearning #OceanDiscoveryInstitute #Hoover #CityHeights 🔬🐟🎓

📢 Our Ocean Leaders Program is accepting applications! 🌟 If you are or know an incoming Hoover 9th grader who excels in science classes, is self-driven, and is committed to their educational future, 🎓 apply today or share this one-of-a-kind opportunity with them! 🌟 Application Link: https://ow.ly/J4hT50RmIYn Experience: 🔬 Exploring the awesome world of science in sunny San Diego 🌱 Developing crucial leadership skills for a bright future ⛺ Exciting overnight camping with new friends 🏊‍♀️ Mastering swimming & snorkeling in the great outdoors 🇲🇽 Travelling to Mexico for hands-on research 👩‍🔬 Doing real science with inspiring scientists 🏫 Checking out university campuses to fuel your academic passions 🌟 It's a chance of a lifetime! Apply now or tag a future Ocean Leader you know! Apply today using this link https://ow.ly/J4hT50RmIYn #OceanLeaders #FutureLeaders #HooverHigh #SanDiego #ScienceAdventure #LeadershipSkills #TagAFriend #CityHeights #OceanLeaders #EarlyEducation #SanDiego #STEMlearning #HooverHigh #SDUSD #OceanDiscoveryInstitute #STEM #EducatorsRock #monroeclark #wilsonmiddle

🌴🌟 BID TODAY on an unforgettable Hawaiian getaway 🌺✨ 🏝 7 nights at an exclusive 13-acre property near Hilo, Hawaii 🏝 🏡 Luxurious amenities: pool, jacuzzi, theatre & more! 🏡💦 🌊 Relaxed setting close to the ocean 🌊 Bid today and support the next generation of science leaders! Click here to sign up and Bid! https://splash2024.ggo.bid/bidding/package-browse #HawaiiGetaway #LuxuryTravel #philantropy #delmar #cardiff #lajolla #CityHeights #SanDiego #ThankYou #SupportSTEM #FutureScientist #OceanLeaders #OceanDiscoveryInstitute #Science #Funding #HooverHigh #SDUSD #Graduation #STEM #Lab #ScienceRocks 🌺🏝

📺 Exciting News! We were featured on ABC 10 News! Check out this awesome segment highlighting our organization's mission and extending an invitation to SPLASH! - our annual fundraiser! 🎉 We cannot wait to see you at SPLASH! Get your tickets today as they are almost gone! Purchase your tickets there today! https://ow.ly/5T5250RvQ5y #CityHeights #OceanLeaders #EarlyEducation #SanDiego #STEMlearning #HooverHigh #SDUSD #OceanDiscoveryInstitute #STEM #Funding #Donors #FreeTuitionPrograms

🌟 Don't miss out on SPLASH! 🌊 Our annual fundraiser is right around the corner, and tickets are going fast! Hear firsthand from our students, gain insight into our impactful work transforming young lives through science, and take advantage of the opportunity to win valuable prizes. 🎉🎓🔬 Purchase your tickets today! https://ow.ly/8tJi50RopC2 #OceanLeaders #FutureLeaders #HooverHigh #SanDiego #ScienceAdventure #LeadershipSkills #TagAFriend #CityHeights #OceanLeaders #EarlyEducation #SanDiego #STEMlearning #HooverHigh #SDUSD #OceanDiscoveryInstitute #STEM #EducatorsRock #monroeclark #wilsonmiddle

📢 Our Ocean Leaders Program is accepting applications! 🌟 If you are or know an incoming Hoover 9th grader who excels in science classes, is self-driven, and is committed to their educational future, 🎓 apply today or share this one-of-a-kind opportunity with them! 🌟 Application Link: https://ow.ly/13PE50RmJ08 Experience: 🔬 Exploring the awesome world of science in sunny San Diego 🌱 Developing crucial leadership skills for a bright future ⛺ Exciting overnight camping with new friends 🏊‍♀️ Mastering swimming & snorkeling in the great outdoors 🇲🇽 Travelling to Mexico for hands-on research 👩‍🔬 Doing real science with inspiring scientists 🏫 Checking out university campuses to fuel your academic passions 🌟 It's a chance of a lifetime! Apply now or tag a future Ocean Leader you know! Apply today using this link https://ow.ly/13PE50RmJ08 #OceanLeaders #FutureLeaders #HooverHigh #SanDiego #ScienceAdventure #LeadershipSkills #TagAFriend #CityHeights #OceanLeaders #EarlyEducation #SanDiego #STEMlearning #HooverHigh #SDUSD #OceanDiscoveryInstitute #STEM #EducatorsRock #monroeclark #wilsonmiddle

🌍 Happy Earth Day to the future adventurers, explorers, and nature lovers! 🌱 🌳 Today, we celebrate not just for ourselves but for the generations to come who will cherish the great outdoors. 🌿 Let's work together to protect our planet's beauty so they can hike through forests, swim in clean rivers, and marvel at untouched landscapes. 🌏 #EarthDay #ForFutureGenerations #NatureLovers #CityHeights #SanDiego #ThankYou #SupportSTEM #FutureScientist #OceanLeaders #OceanDiscoveryInstitute #Science #Funding #HooverHigh #SDUSD #Graduation #STEM #Lab #ScienceRocks

📢 Our Ocean Leaders Program is accepting applications! 🌟 If you are or know an incoming Hoover 9th grader who excels in science classes, is self-driven, and is committed to their educational future, 🎓 apply today or share this one-of-a-kind opportunity with them! 🌟 Application Link: https://ow.ly/KTRX50RhHzK Experience: 🔬 Exploring the awesome world of science in sunny San Diego 🌱 Developing crucial leadership skills for a bright future ⛺ Exciting overnight camping with new friends 🏊‍♀️ Mastering swimming & snorkeling in the great outdoors 🇲🇽 Travelling to Mexico for hands-on research 👩‍🔬 Doing real science with inspiring scientists 🏫 Checking out university campuses to fuel your academic passions 🌟 It's a chance of a lifetime! Apply now or tag a future Ocean Leader you know! Apply today using this link https://ow.ly/KTRX50RhHzK #OceanLeaders #FutureLeaders #HooverHigh #SanDiego #ScienceAdventure #LeadershipSkills #TagAFriend #CityHeights #OceanLeaders #EarlyEducation #SanDiego #STEMlearning #HooverHigh #SDUSD #OceanDiscoveryInstitute #STEM #EducatorsRock #monroeclark #wilsonmiddle

💐 Happy International Women's Day! Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of ALL women across the globe. 💖 🎉 Whether you're a scientist, artist, entrepreneur, teacher, or any other role, your impact is invaluable. Together, we uplift each other, break barriers, and create a world where every woman's voice is heard and respected. 💪 #IWD2024 #WomensDay #EmpowerAllWomen #CelebrateHer #EqualityForAll #InclusionMatters #StrongerTogether #CityHeights #OceanLeaders #EarlyEducation #SanDiego #STEMlearning #HooverHigh #SDUSD #OceanDiscoveryInstitute #STEM #EducatorsRock #monroeclark #wilsonmiddle