Clients in the News: Ocean Discovery Institute
The White House Honors San Diego Nonprofit
Ocean Discovery Institute one of only three organizations in the U.S. to receive the 2010
Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring
SAN DIEGO –The White House announced yesterday that Ocean Discovery Institute has been awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring. It is the highest honor bestowed by the United States government for efforts that advance those fields of education. Ocean Discovery Institute is one of only three organizations of eight total recipients to receive the 2010 award and the only organization on the West Coast.
The Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring, awarded by the White House to individuals and organizations, recognizes the crucial role that mentoring plays in the academic and personal development of students studying science and engineering—particularly those who belong to groups that are underrepresented in these fields. By offering their expertise and encouragement, mentors help prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers, while ensuring that tomorrow’s innovators reflect and benefit from the diverse talent of the United States.
Serving City Heights, a diverse and economically disadvantaged neighborhood in San Diego, Ocean Discovery Institute has for the past twelve years empowered young people from urban and diverse backgrounds to become tomorrow’s scientific leaders. Its programs, which are tuition-free, enable young people to work toward protecting our oceans and natural environment, improve the health of our communities, and strengthen our quality of life.
This work has resulted in increased science test scores, increased college attendance, and more than 70 percent of participating students pursuing degrees in science and conservation. More than 5,000 low-income, diverse students participate each year, and Ocean Discovery Institute is expanding to serve 20,000 annually – empowering these young people to transform their lives, their community, and ultimately our world.
“Through their commitment to education and innovation, these individuals and organizations are playing a crucial role in the development of our 21st century workforce,” President Obama said. “Our Nation owes them a debt of gratitude for helping ensure that America remains the global leader in science and engineering for years to come.”
Ocean Discovery Institute will be presented with their award at a White House ceremony December 12, 2011 and participate in a series of activities with the Office of Science and Technology Policy. In addition, the organization will receive a $25,000 award from the National Science Foundation to advance their mentoring efforts.
“From the moment I became part of Ocean Discovery Institute, mentoring was a critical part of my development as a person and a scientist,” said student Anai Novoa, who will represent the organization at the White House awards ceremony. “Thanks to my mentor, Ocean Discovery Institute’s Science Director and University of San Diego Professor, Dr. Drew Talley, I am now pursuing my dream to further my research in biology. Along with my research, I will continue serving as a minority, female scientific mentor for inner-city students.”
“We are so honored and proud that our students have demonstrated the passion, perseverance, and achievements necessary to earn this recognition,” said Executive Director, Shara Fisler. “We share this honor with the contributions of our supporters and partners, who are committed to developing tomorrow’s decision makers and workforce. Partners like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the National Science Foundation, University of San Diego, the California Coastal Conservancy, the San Diego Unified School District, Qualcomm Incorporated, Gen-Probe, and Bank of America provide the mentorship needed for the next generation.”
“The future of science and technological innovation in San Diego rests upon our success in developing and supporting a ‘home grown’ scientific work force,” said Susan H. Laun, Vice President of Human Resources & Global Social Responsibility at Qualcomm Incorporated. “We invest in Ocean Discovery Institute because they have developed a unique model for engaging young people in science and have outcomes that demonstrate youth are learning critical concepts and pursuing careers in these fields.”
About Ocean Discovery Institute
The mission of Ocean Discovery Institute (www.oceandiscoveryinstitute.org) is to engage, educate, and inspire young people from urban and diverse backgrounds through science-based exploration of the ocean and nature, preparing them to be tomorrow’s scientific and environmental leaders. Their vision is to empower young people from urban and diverse backgrounds to protect our ocean and natural environment, improve the health of our communities, and strengthen the quality of life in our world.
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