Superyacht owners aren’t the only ones paying attention to the health of the ocean. Their children and grandchildren are, too. Arguably, today’s youth are more environmentally minded than the generations coming before then. If a teenager in your household would enjoy participating in hands-on oceanographic research and related experience, the International SeaKeepers Society has an ideal fit. Its Junior SeaKeeper program currently is accepting applications.
In fact, the South Florida-based program applications are for the academic year from fall 2022 through spring 2023. Specifically, students in grades 10 through 12 are eligible, benefitting from a host of activities. Overall, students learn not just more about the problems impacting the oceans, but also how to make a difference. Additionally, they’ll help educate the local populations about these marine-conservation issues. Junior SeaKeeper enrollees do so with the help of local scientific and oceanographic leaders. These leaders train them in conducting scientific research and how to communicate about science.
So, for instance, your Junior SeaKeeper will help lead beach cleanups, receiving community-service hours for their participation, too. He or she will go out on Biscayne Bay aboard a “floating classroom” (a.k.a. a boat) to see specific aspects of the marine ecosystem. Furthermore, through webinars, students will be able to ask questions of scientific leaders, to increase their knowledge even more. Finally, every student gets to present his or her research findings to real audiences.
The program allows students to join for just one semester, either October through December or January through April, or both. Upon completion, Junior SeaKeepers receive a certificate, confirmation of community-service hours, and of course a swag bag with a T-shirt and other goodies.
To apply, or to learn more, contact Maggie@seakeepers.org. Applications are due by September 1 for fall-semester participation and by December 1 for spring participation.
International SeaKeepers Society seakeepers.org
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