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Conservation Leadership Program

APPLICATIONS FOR SPRING 2025 ARE NOW CLOSED. 

  • Follow this link to receive notifications about future program offerings.

The Conservation Leadership Program, led by Dr. Octavio Aburto at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, is a fully funded and highly competetitve program rooted in a legacy of transformative ocean conservation. Building on Dr. Aburto’s research in mangrove and rocky reef ecosystems, as well as his work as a National Geographic Explorer and conservation photographer, the Program empowers young leaders to protect marine ecosystems globally. Inspired by renowned oceanographer Walter Munk, a mentor and friend to Dr. Aburto, this program builds on Munk’s vision of community-driven conservation, exemplified by the success of Cabo Pulmo’s reef restoration. With a network of seasoned practitioners from Mexico and the U.S., this initiative brings together diverse expertise to foster cross-border collaboration in marine conservation.

Phase 1: Ocean Literacy

  • Ocean Literacy, Climate, and Conservation Leadership

    • Dates: 
      • Cohort 1: February 10, 2025 to March 22, 2025
      • Cohort 2: March 24, 2025 to May 3, 2025
    • Units: 4.00 Pre-College units, 9000 level
    • Open to: 9th-11th grade students local to San Diego
    • Application: Click here to apply!
    • Application Deadline: Closed
    • Course Delivery: Hybrid
    • Tuition: $0
    • Location:
    • Schedule: 
      • Students can expect 40 hours of work with minimal to no homework.
    • Instructor: Alberto Rivera

     

    Course Overview: 

    This interdisciplinary course explores the critical intersections among ocean literacy, climate systems, human health, and environmental conservation. Emphasizing the essential role of conservation leadership, the course equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to promote ocean health and sustainability in an era of increasing environmental challenges. With oceans covering more than 70% of the Earth’s surface and acting as key climate regulators, their degradation poses significant risks to ecosystems and human well-being on both local and global scales.

    Students will be introduced to the foundational principles of ocean literacy, examining how alterations in marine environments impact public health, climate resilience, and ecological integrity. Through interactive workshops and applied learning experiences, participants will develop a comprehensive understanding of the scientific, technological, and social dimensions of marine conservation. The curriculum is designed to foster the development of environmental leadership and stewardship competencies, preparing students to address pressing conservation challenges within their communities and beyond.

    Course Format and Engagement:

    Over the six-week program, students will participate in four in-person, three-hour Saturday workshops held at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. These workshops provide immersive, experiential learning opportunities in collaboration with Scripps researchers and local environmental organizations. In addition to strengthening core scientific knowledge, students will gain exposure to advanced oceanographic tools and technologies, including:

    • ArcGIS for spatial data analysis and climate modeling
    • Scientific diving equipment for underwater research exploration
    • Remote sensing tools and environmental monitoring systems for real-time data collection and analysis

    These hands-on experiences allow students to bridge theoretical learning with real-world scientific applications.

    Pathway to Further Study:

    Upon completion of the course, students will be eligible to apply for the Conservation Leadership Dive Program, a competitive summer extension focused on applied marine conservation and field research.

    Learning Outcomes:

    By the end of the course, students will be able to:

    • Describe how the ocean contributes to Earth’s energy balance through solar absorption, radiation, and reflection.
    • Explain the ocean’s role in the greenhouse effect, particularly its capacity to absorb and release greenhouse gases such as CO₂.
    • Analyze the impacts of environmental stressors—including climate change and pollution—on ocean systems and their subsequent effects on human health.
    • Evaluate global ocean health and resource management issues within personal and local contexts, including their influence on climate regulation, air quality, and public health.
    • Apply tools such as ArcGIS to assess the ocean’s role in local climate regulation and investigate how these processes differentially affect diverse coastal communities.

Phase 2: Conservation Leadership Dive Program

  • Conservation Leadership Divers

    The Conservation Leadership Divers program provides an intensive, field-based training opportunity for six selected students through a 9-day PADI dive certification course conducted in San Diego and on Catalina Island. Delivered in partnership with Odyssea Adventures, and in collaboration with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) Scientific Diving Program and SCUBA DIVERsity, this initiative seeks to broaden access to scientific diving and marine exploration for emerging student leaders. Participants will engage in a variety of immersive activities—including SCUBA diving, snorkeling, intertidal exploration, and guided ecological hikes—designed to deepen their understanding of marine ecosystems and expose them to potential career pathways in marine science and scientific diving.

    As part of their experience, students will also become members of the Youth Conservation Leadership Scuba Club, an initiative led by the Aburto Lab at SIO under the umbrella of Atlas Aquatica, a global ocean literacy and conservation program endorsed by the United Nations Ocean Decade. This affiliation connects students with an international community of young ocean stewards and provides a platform for continued engagement in conservation leadership.

    Conservation Leadership Fellows

    All 36 students participating in the summer marine science programs will be recognized as Conservation Leadership Fellows, a designation that reflects their commitment to hands-on research, environmental stewardship, and science communication. As Fellows, students will develop practical skills through active involvement in marine conservation projects and assume leadership roles that may include shaping project strategies, coordinating public outreach initiatives, and delivering research presentations at events hosted by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and partner organizations.

    Fellows will also contribute to public-facing educational and advocacy campaigns, including managing content for social media platforms and participating in initiatives aimed at raising awareness of marine protection and sustainability. The program emphasizes capacity-building and leadership development through mentorship, peer collaboration, and wellness support, fostering a holistic learning environment that nurtures both academic and personal growth.

    By cultivating a diverse and inclusive community of emerging environmental leaders, the program aims to inspire and prepare the next generation of scientists, conservationists, and advocates dedicated to the sustainable stewardship of our planet’s marine resources.