Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation

The ocean plays a vital role in oxygen production, temperature regulation, biodiversity, and supporting jobs and livelihoods for millions of people. As ocean health declines due to anthropogenic impacts,  the need for informed and community-centered approaches to ocean conservation is more important than ever. Yet many young people, especially from historically excluded communities, have limited access to marine science education, particularly programs that also build leadership skills. To address this gap, the Conservation Leadership Program (CLP), led by the Aburto Lab at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, launched a multi-phase initiative for underserved high school students in San Diego. Phase 1 of the program was a six-week hybrid course that was grounded in the Ocean Literacy Framework and integrated field experiences, mentorship, and community engagement. This Capstone Project focused on developing the Phase 1 curriculum and designing tools to evaluate program impact. Evaluation methods included pre- and post-surveys adapted from the International Ocean Literacy Survey (IOLS) and Ocean and Society Survey (OSS), and student focus group discussions. Findings showed growth in student content knowledge, leadership identity, and sense of connection to their communities and the ocean. Feedback also identified areas for improvement, including a more structured orientation, expanded course materials, and increased transportation support. These results will guide recommendations for future cohorts, support grant reporting, and serve as a resource for ocean literacy programs that aim to advance equity, leadership development, and community-based conservation. By equipping students with ocean literacy and leadership skills, this project contributes to the broader goal of fostering long-term prosperity across coastal communities like San Diego.