There is more than one way to connect to the ocean
Why Connect
Find your way to connect
As a student, there are many different ocean-related academic and career paths you can follow. And whether your particular path is through science, art, commerce, or advocacy, Ocean Connect provides you with the insight, knowledge, and opportunities you need to create your own ocean connection and to do so in a responsible and ocean-friendly manner.
Science
Discover how ocean science is as varied as ocean life itself.
Art
Express your creativity above, below and beyond the waves.
Commerce
Tap into a rapidly growing multitrillion-dollar ocean economy.
Advocacy
Be an advocate for the future of the ocean and the planet.
Statement on Leveling the Playing Field
Historically, we recognize that there has been a significant disparity in the availability of ocean-related academic and career opportunities between students from underrepresented communities and those from communities that traditionally have had access to greater resources. Ocean Connect is committed to providing students from all backgrounds an equal opportunity to connect with the ocean.
The steps that Ocean Connect is currently taking to level the playing field include:
- Developing an extensive database of internships, scholarships, research fellowships, academic programs, and training programs so that all students have the ability to see what opportunities are available.
- Creating a series of tutorials so that all students have the knowledge required to navigate the various processes for securing available opportunities.
- Creating snapshots of various ocean-related pursuits so that all students have the information they need to make informed choices about their educational and career choices.
In the future, Ocean Connect will also offer a series of scholarships so that students from underrepresented and under-resourced communities can participate in internship, research, academic, and training programs that may not fully subsidize the student’s participation. Ocean Connect is also partnering with representatives from the Mystic Aquarium and the University of California San Diego School of Extended Studies to develop a model internship program to be used by colleges and universities worldwide to increase participation by high school students in ocean science.
At Ocean Connect, we believe that to fulfill our mission of ending the disparity in ocean-related opportunities, everyone must have an equal opportunity to connect to the ocean and to do so in their own unique way. If you have suggestions as to how we can better achieve this goal or if you believe we fall short of our commitment, we invite you to contact us at equality@ocean-connect.org for further discussion.
Leveling the Playing Field
We recognize that there is a disparity in the availability of opportunities between students from underrepresented communities and those from communities that have access to greater resources. At Ocean Connect, we believe that everyone should have the same opportunity to connect with the ocean. Please read our Statement on Leveling the Playing Field to find out what steps Ocean Connect is taking to ensure that all students can make the connections they want.
Helping you connect
Ocean Connect has compiled an extensive array of resources that are designed to help you make your own ocean connection.
Opportunity
Experience not only looks good on your college application, it also gives you a huge jump on starting your career. Our database of ocean-related internships and research programs can help you find that experience
Documents
Whether it is for an internship, college or your first job, there are certain documents that are common to the application process. Our library of model documents is designed to make that process less intimidating.
Knowledge
While there are plenty of ocean-related opportunities out there, the process for obtaining one is not always easy. Our tutorials can help you find the right opportunity and navigate the application process from start to finish.
Community
Our student community page – oceanXchange – gives you the chance to ask questions (and have them answered), make suggestions, post information, and offer commentary on all things ocean-related.