To address the inequity of opportunities for students of all backgrounds in the marine science field and promote community-based restoration, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science launched the Yours Shores program in 2023 for first-generation college-bound high school students in Miami-Dade County. NOAA’s Office of Habitat Conservation funds the program for three years with $606,000 through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act.
Students receive free training, mentorship, and certifications to help them become more competitive applicants to science degree programs and marine science jobs. The Your Shores program includes:
- Professional Association of Diving Instructors dive certifications
- Training and field work in community-based coastal restoration
- Opportunities to care for an underwater coral nursery, plant native coastal species, and clean up marine debris
- Experience doing hands-on research, such as biological monitoring
- Connections with working scientists and other professionals
- A $1,000 stipend
Yours Shores is a new elective part of the museum’s long-running Upward Bound Math and Science program. This four-year, federally funded program provides high school students with STEM-based learning, college preparation, and opportunities to participate in internships, research, and community events.
Eliminating Barriers
“It’s hard for a lot of students to see themselves in the marine science field and in science in general,” says Giselle Garcia, project director for the Upward Bound Math and Science program. “It’s not just because most scientists don't look like them or come from similar backgrounds, but because there are so many barriers.”
Your Shores participants are recruited from under-resourced Miami high schools where positions for science teachers and guidance counselors often go unfilled. Gaining admission to rigorous science programs requires a strong academic foundation as well as participation in extracurricular activities, like volunteer work and internships. However, access to these opportunities can be limited by systemic barriers.
“Our program eliminates these challenges and shows students that they can and should become scientists,” says Garcia. Your Shores covers all expenses related to attending, including transportation and meals. Students' families receive free museum membership and are invited to attend special events.
The first cohort of seven students completed the program in May 2024. Several students plan to attend university this fall, while others will return to the program for advanced certifications as high school seniors.
“Coming from a place where there are barely opportunities available for the youth, Your Shores truly has my heart,” says high school junior Rita Araoz. “The program has become a very important part of my life and one of my biggest motivators to keep fighting for climate justice.”
Diving Deep into Marine Science
Upward Bound Math and Science administrators decided to apply for funding to create Your Shores when they realized many students were interested in marine biology but had a lack of experience with or even fear of the ocean.
“We had students who couldn’t picture themselves swimming in more than three feet of water because they were scared,” says Garcia. “A lot of them are learning to swim while doing this. It's hard, but we see a lot of success. Now, they're going deep into the ocean to look at corals.”
"Scuba certification is expensive and a lot of people, in spite of growing up near the ocean, never have the opportunity to see what is below the waves,” says Erin McDevitt, NOAA marine habitat restoration specialist for the Southeast region. “Scuba diving is a necessary tool for a successful career in marine biology. The students in this program will be graduating from high school certified and ready to handle underwater research and monitoring, which will greatly benefit their future marine-related academic interests."
“My favorite experience was our first open-water dive,” says Araoz. “We were all very excited and nervous, but as soon as we got into the water, everything calmed down. Overcoming my fear of the water has been crucial, as it pushes me to contribute to preserving Florida's corals in the future.”
“The most important thing I learned about is the benefit of coral restoration,” says high school senior Mikese Lovett, who plans to major in environmental engineering at Florida International University. “It’s important because of climate change and overall biodiversity. I talk to everyone about my experience at Your Shores. I told my uncle about corals, and he was really surprised because he didn't know much about them and how important they are.”
Your Shores students also conducted land-based coastal dune and mangrove restoration field work in Haulover Park on one of Miami’s barrier islands. “Even though I joined Your Shores for scuba diving, I learned a lot from working with dunes and mangroves,” says Andrew Louis Charles, who will also attend Florida International University in the fall to study biology. “We can protect them by planting native plants, like sea oats, in the dunes and by removing invasive species from the mangroves.”
At the end of the school year, students attended an award ceremony and presented group projects on topics, such as coral restoration and science photography. “We celebrate their accomplishments, have some laughter and some tears, and give out superlative awards for students who have overcome challenges,” says Garcia. “So, even as we're dealing with many challenges in our education and economic system, these kids have opportunities now that will make a lasting impact as they become professionals and community leaders.”
“This experience helped me to realize how much more I can do for this world,” says Araoz, who will return to Your Shores as a high school senior to obtain her Advanced Open Water dive certification. “I am really excited for this summer and next year since I am going to be able to be more engaged as I share my experience and advice.”
