Blue Scholars Initiative

Every day on the water is a?journey of transformation?for our scholars. At the start, they might be nervous, unsure of their abilities and intimidated by the vastness of the ocean. But by days end, those fears are washed away, replaced with?confidence, joy, and most of all,?new knowledge?of our environment and all?its wonders. To witness this shift - from hesitation to happiness - is why we do what we do. Donors help us do just that! As the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Blue Scholars Initiative, I am deeply?proud of the impact we have made since 2019, and thankful for our family of donors?who have helped us provide?hands-on learning experiences, at no cost, to youth from participating Miami-area Title 1 schools and community?organizations. We greatly appreciate the support! #GiveMiamiDay is today and we are well on our way of reaching our goal, but we're not there yet. May I ask you, please, to?share our donation page with?one?(just 1)?friend, colleague or family member?in an effort to exceed, or better yet,?crush?our goal? Give Miami Day is one of the?best?opportunities that?Blue Scholars has to raise money for programming that?fosters ocean stewardship. Contributions of any amount help. https://lnkd.in/eaieX3u9 THANK YOU!

Give Miami Day is underway and for the third year in a row, a gracious Blue Scholars Board Member will generously match up to $10,000 in donations! Make twice the impact and help us reach our goal of $25,000. Give Miami Day is an annual giving movement to celebrate community-serving organizations, like Blue Scholars Initiative, and increase generosity in Greater Miami through online giving. Give Miami Day helps raise awareness about the critical role we all play in our community and inspires everyone to give. Together, we can create a thriving and stronger Miami for all. Donate Today! https://lnkd.in/eky3aDBi Funding supports experiential learning activities and special events: ·?ADVENTURE?– Seagrass, Mangrove & Reef Snorkel / Island Trail Nature Walk ·?EDUCATION?– Marine Biology / Marine Ecology / Watershed Concepts ·?CITIZEN SCIENCE?– Water Quality Testing / Marine Debris Survey / Flora & Fauna Identification ·?IMPACT?– Island Trail & Beach Cleanups ·?CREATIVE EXPRESSION?– Ocean Hero Challenge / Ocean Art Workshops ·?COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT?– World Ocean Celebration

Thank you, World Ocean Day, for highlighting Blue Scholars Initiative and our 2024 World Ocean Celebration, in partnership with ARTSail. "On?the?8th?of?June?2024,?millions?of people?all over the world?participated?in a variety of events to celebrate World Ocean Day – from?canoe demonstrations?to art exhibits to film festivals and more! This global mobilization shows that when we collectively catalyze action for our ocean and climate?—?the theme of World Ocean Day 2024?—?we can make an impact. Here is a small selection of some of the amazing events that took place worldwide?this past month." - Amalia Tuchmann https://lnkd.in/eJ3m3zJQ

Thank you, 4ocean PBC, for supporting Blue Scholars Initiative. In addition to the unique experiential learning opportunity, our scholars are thrilled to receive the trademark 4ocean bracelet upon completing our Biscayne Immersion Program. Its presence on their wrist will act as an important daily reminder of their connection to the ocean. This month we have served groups, at no cost, from Girl Power Rocks, the FLORIDA KEYS CHILDREN'S SHELTER, INC., and OYC Miami. It's all made possible thanks to the generous support of the Hillsdale Fund, Ocean Bank, the Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, and the Ansin Foundation. #grateful

The 4th Annual World Ocean Day Celebration photos are up! View the full gallery here... https://lnkd.in/eXHhrMWw

Engaging youth in ocean conservation is crucial for building a sustainable future. It is the mission of Blue Scholars Initiative to foster ocean stewardship through immersive education programs and community events, like the 4th Annual World Ocean Day Celebration co-hosted with ARTSail last Saturday on Miami Beach and Virginia Key. Special thanks to everyone who joined the celebration and to both Louis Aguirre, WPLG for capturing the energy of the beach activation as well as the story of Blue Scholars, and Ocean Bank for providing the title sponsorship, in addition to an array of beach umbrellas and volunteer support. Much more to come in 2025 so save the dates for the 5th Anniversary Celebration... May 31 - June 8! Thanks also to: Meredith Bass & Doug Brown, Blue Scholars Initiative Ombretta Agro' Andruff & Ron Andruff, ARTSail Kathryn Quinlivan Mikesell, Fountainhead Arts Tanja Morariu & Mike Gibaldi, Surfrider Foundation Miami Chapter Jane Gilbert, Miami-Dade County Sophie Ringel, Clean Miami Beach World Ocean Day, The Ocean Project https://lnkd.in/eHqPqAjg

The ocean is the heart of our planet. But right now, its health is at risk. Learn more about our ocean conservation strategies and get involved here: https://nature.ly/3VyjIWz

Join Blue Scholars Initiative and ARTSail to celebrate tomorrow! The annual global celebration of our one shared ocean is here! Through community engagement and volunteer impact, we are super excited to come together to honor and protect our planet's most precious resource.?All are welcome,?so join us on the sand at 35th Street (Miami Beach) tomorrow from 8AM-12PM and again at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science (Virginia Key) from 5-9PM. Full World Ocean Day Celebration schedule here: https://lnkd.in/eu58B4aR

For the fourth year in a row, the San Francisco-based?International Ocean Film Foundation?(IOFF) returns to South Florida with its Traveling Program, in celebration of World Ocean Day, to screen some of the best, award-winning films of the IOFF 21st Anniversary. Blue Scholars and ARTSail?invite you to island hop with us from the morning program this Saturday on Miami Beach to Virginia Key where we will host?a special night of impact speakers and films at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science. Part 2 of the?World Ocean Day Celebration, with additional support from?Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.,?kicks off at 5:00PM with the SALT Waterfront cocktail reception followed at 6:15PM by the Sheroes of the Ocean panel discussion. At 7:30PM, a curated selection of films from around the world will explore the beauty and energy of the ocean, and connect us to its remarkable inhabitants and staunch advocates, all while inspiring us to act on their behalf. The 78-minute film program (pictured here) includes: - Konstantinus’ Legacy - Awakening the Love for Nature,?Daniel Bichsel (Germany) - The Granny Grommets,?Leah Rustomjee (Australia) - Shark Researchers: A New Approach to Shark Conservation,?Arnau Argemi Gonzalez (Spain) - Kingdom of Ice: Antarctica’s Leopard Seals,?Paul Nicklen, Cristina "Mitty" Mittermeier, Andy Mann & SeaLegacy (USA) - Tahlequah the Whale: A Dance of Grief,?Daniel Kreizberg (Lithuania) - A Disappearing Forest,?Tyler Schiffman (USA) - With the Tide,?Chelsey J. Jolly (USA)

Whether you're a seasoned swimmer or a beginner,?there's something for everyone to enjoy and participate in this?Saturday, June 8, at the?World Ocean Day Celebration, presented by?Ocean Bank. Join Blue Scholars Initiative and ARTSail to celebrate the ocean through a series of engaging activities that offer a unique opportunity to connect with the ocean, promote environmental awareness, and foster community spirit. Splashing at 8:00AM to kick off the 4th annual event will be an estimated 75 swimmers "competing" in the Ocean Mile Challenge Exhibition Swim with?Full Circle Coaching. As the clock ticks for our ocean, these swimmers will race to save it for future generations. While they cross the finish line,?Pilates for the People?will guide a waterfront fitness session, beginning at 8:30AM, to foster a deeper connection to the ocean through movement of the body and mind. At 9:00AM, paddlers with?Surfrider Foundation Miami Chapter?will venture offshore to form a human circle to honor the ocean and give thanks for the life it provides. At the same time,?Breathe and Splash Swim School?will commence with a fun, shallow-water swim lesson for youth seeking to gain basic skills in safe ocean swimming. The event is?FREE* and open to the public?but space is limited and advance registration is required so sign up today! https://lnkd.in/eHxKybUY