During the first week of August, Los Angeles Urban League and Urban Bridge Builders hosted an energetic and eager group of students for a five-day Oceanography Camp in San Diego. Students from all over Los Angeles County were given the chance to explore marine biology and the career opportunities it provides. The group of 35 students observed and studied marine life in its natural habitat and at the Birch Aquarium while researching and conducting experiments to deepen their knowledge of the ocean. Students also went kayaking and snorkeling and got a preview of what life is like on a college campus with a visit to UC San Diego.
“Our students were immersed in college life on the campus of UC San Diego’s Scripps Institute of Oceanography while exploring our Earth-ocean ecosystem and the life that it supports.”
Darrell Hills, LAUL Program Manager
“This was an amazing experience for these kids,” said Darrell E. Hills, Program Manager for Los Angeles Urban League. “Our students were immersed in college life on the campus of UC San Diego’s Scripps Institute of Oceanography while exploring our Earth-ocean ecosystem and the life that it supports.”
The Oceanography program aimed to introduce students to new areas of study and provide an opportunity to explore new career paths while broadening their perspective of what’s possible after graduation. “It was amazing to see the students’ interest piqued as they engaged in marine science through fun-filled learning and ocean STEM activities,” said Hills. “It was a week that they will not soon forget!”
Los Angeles Urban League’s Summer programs have become a popular choice among parents and students who are looking to stay engaged over Summer break. Summer youth programs not only provide a chance for our youth to develop new skills but also places them in a setting to practice teamwork and critical thinking. Programs such as the Oceanography Camp invites students to look beyond their textbooks and heightens their awareness of who they can be and what they can do.
The past week of exploring careers in marine biology was more than an opportunity to learn; it was an opportunity to dream of what’s possible. Through partnerships with organizations like Urban Bridge Builders, we will continue to work towards building a brighter future for our children. We look forward to next Summer and exploring new horizons with all our students.
