Who We Are
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice
Building an ocean science community for everyone
Statement of Commitment
The planet’s health relies on all of us working together for the benefit of all.
The Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory recognizes the deep abuses resulting from systemic racism, white privilege, and environmental injustice. It is our duty to take concrete steps against these abuses and towards a more equitable and inclusive approach to addressing the problems facing our oceans and our communities. We are committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) in our field of marine science. We proactively strive to bring the voices of people of all colors, backgrounds, and identities into our work.
To hold ourselves accountable to this commitment, we have developed a DEIJ action plan. This plan is a working document that may be updated and revised as the goals of the organization grow and change and as progress is made.
Our Programs
Sea The Future
Sea the Future pairs UCSB ocean scientist mentors with local junior high students from historically underrepresented backgrounds in marine and environmental sciences. Together, they explore the wonders of the ocean through interactive workshops and field trips. The program aims to increase access to marine science and help students see the ocean as a place of possibility, exploration, and belonging.
Benioff Scholars Program in Applied Environmental Science
The Benioff Scholars Program in Applied Environmental Science supports UCSB graduate students whose research advances applied solutions in environmental science. Ten scholars are awarded grants each summer to advance their work that provides near-term solutions for pressing threats to environmental health. The program prioritizes inclusion and strives to be representative of all people.
Local Partnerships
FUERTE
FUERTE
FUERTE is a Field-based Undergraduate Engagement through Research, Teaching, and Education program. The program introduces UCSB undergraduates to the exciting world of conservation science and marine biology and how research in the outdoors can open up new worlds and career options.
OnBOARD
OnBOARD
The Broadening Opportunities Across Research Diving (OnBOARD) program eliminates barriers for UCSB undergraduates interested in marine field work. OnBOARD provides training, financial support, mentorship, and guidance for those looking to become scientific divers.
Sea League
Sea League
Sea League is a local after-school program connecting youth to the ocean through community, mentorship, and recreation. Sea League helps kids in Santa Barbara build confidence, experience healthy risk, and form lasting relationships with nature and caring community members.
Girls in Ocean Science
Girls in Ocean Science
Girls in Ocean Science, a local program organized by the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, empowers girls to become curious learners and future leaders in marine science through hands-on activities, engaging discussions, and field-based experiences led by female ocean experts and scientists.
A-OK Swim
A-OK Swim
A-OK, After School Opportunities for Kids, is an after school enrichment program run by Santa Barbara Unified School District in partnership with the South Coast Community Aquatics Center and the UCSB Aquatics Center. A-OK provides a safe, fun, no-cost opportunity for select 3rd grade students to learn basic swimming and water safety skills generating excitement and ease around the water.
Coastal Media Project
Coastal Media Project
The Coastal Media Project is an intensive nine-week summer environmental media production and documentary studies program at UCSB. It trains the next generation of science communicators with scholarship opportunities available for students from historically underrepresented backgrounds.
Want to Collaborate?
Is there a community program we should explore future partnership opportunities with? Send them our way! We welcome ideas from all voices to strengthen our collective impact.
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that the University of California was founded upon exclusions and erasures of many Indigenous peoples, including those on whose lands our offices at UC Santa Barbara are located, the villages and unceded lands of the Chumash people. We affirm the critical role of Indigenous peoples in our collective efforts to restore the health of the ocean and commit to elevating their voices and leadership in marine science and conservation.