Alexis Putney, a student in the scientific diving course at the Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies, attains her American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) dive certification. With funding from DEIA Ocean Exploration Education Grants, the University of Southern California created the Increasing DEI Participation in STEM Careers: Training Scientific SCUBA Divers program to address the financial barrier of marine research gear and skills, like diving, that limits students from underserved and underrepresented communities from entering the field. (Image credit: Photo courtesy of Yannick Peterhans/USC Wrigley Institute.)
The Ocean Odyssey Grants, supported by NOAA Ocean Exploration and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, are investments in projects and partners that are leading efforts to increase inclusion in and/or access to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and workforce development opportunities for diverse youth in middle school, high school, undergraduate, and/or community college to learn about ocean science and/or exploration. have a long history of working collaboratively to support ocean education. The Foundation anticipates funding 12-15 projects with awards between $5,000 – $10,000. Funding is available for schools, districts, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, for profit institutions, local, and state entities from the United States, territories, and Freely Associated States supporting diverse students in these regions.