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.)
Through September 30, 2024, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation offsite link and NOAA Ocean Exploration are accepting applications for Ocean Odyssey Grants: Ocean Exploration Awards for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Accessibility. During the 2024-2025 school year, these awards will provide grants of between $5,000 and $10,000 to educators and education programs leading science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education and workforce development initiatives that help students from historically marginalized communities achieve success in future ocean science and ocean exploration careers.