For nearly two decades, Ocean Discovery Institute has been inspiring kids in underserved communities to take an interest in the environment. The nonprofit has hosted 40,000 students, and it’s on par to reach thousands more following the opening of Living Lab in City Heights.

“Having a place in the heart of City Heights where students can discover science and see themselves as scientists is something we needed,” says Carolina Barraza, an Ocean Discovery Institute spokeswoman.

The Living Lab itself is a $17 million, 12,000-square-foot facility near the edge of Manzanita Canyon designed by Rob Quigley. The net-zero-energy building is within walking distance of nine schools and features two labs, wall-to-wall screens that live-stream the coastline, and a scientist-in-residence studio. Ocean Discovery Institute is also expanding its programs, which include a class on the ocean and the creatures who call it home and a show-and-tell where local scientists to demonstrate what they do. During school hours, students can participate in school-sponsored field trips, labs, and canyon exploration. After school, they are welcomed back for more programs, internships, quiet study, and to prepare for college and careers with mentors by their sides.

Living Lab aims to create conservation leaders who will go on to transform lives, communities, and the world. “This world-class Living Lab sets the expectations our young people have shown they deserve,” Barraza says.

Tags: Education, Environment, Ocean, Research, Tip Sheet