The lack of diversity in the scientific community has led to a call to action within government, academia, and industry. In response to this need, a team of marine educators and researchers developed the SEA Power Initiative, aimed at creating a model for systemic change. Through this project diverse, urban youth build their knowledge of the sciences, explore career opportunities in ecology and related fields, become better prepared to attend college and participate in a continuum of support that build self-efficacy and allows further study and exploration of the sciences. A focal point of the project brings high school students to a unique biosphere reserve in Baja California, where they make meaningful contributions to authentic conservation-based ecological research.

Results/Conclusions

The results demonstrate a range of benefits including personal and academic growth of the young participants, as well as important short and long term results for the scientific community.