Education Grant
About
The challenges facing our oceans demand that we introduce more youth and community members to ocean sciences, educate them on the importance of marine conservation, empower them to engage in scientific inquiry, and support evidence-based policy that protects marine ecosystems worldwide.
This grant supports innovative projects that are introducing and recruiting youth to marine science.
Background
The need for financial support of education in the field of ocean science and conservation is of paramount importance today given the challenges we face on the planet. We need to make sure we are introducing as many youths as possible to ocean sciences and educating them about the importance of marine sciences and conservation around the globe. The Society for Conservation Biology’s Marine Program is initiating the Education in Science & Conservation Grants Program (ESCGP) to support innovative and outstanding educational projects which promote early introduction, education and recruitment of students and community members in the field of marine science and conservation. The objective of the ESCGP is to advance access to and education of marine science and conservation among the communities which are served by the respective educational projects in support of the program’s
Mission
To advance the science, education, and practice of conserving the Earth’s marine biological diversity.
Goals
- Be a global focal point for marine science education conservation.
- Facilitate the dissemination of the science of marine conservation through education, publications, presentations, and media outreach
- Promote marine science education conservation as a priority for SCB
- Inform and educate students across the globe
- Create the capacity to accomplish the aforementioned goals
Grant Amount: $1,000–$1,500 USD.
Applicants must be members of the Society for Conservation Biology’s Marine Program and may include educators, researchers, practitioners, Indigenous groups, and K–12 school groups (students must be supervised by an adult). Eligible applicants may be affiliated with:
- K–12 schools
- Colleges/universities
- Community service organizations
- Indigenous organizations
Priority given to applicants demonstrating capacity to complete the work and first-time applicants.
Examples of eligible activities:
- Training students to reduce impacts of human activities on marine organisms and habitats
- Developing educational materials for conservation practices (sustainable fishing, responsible seafood choices)
- Installing rain gardens to teach students about cleaning runoff before it enters oceans
- Installing water bottle filling stations with associated community education
- Engaging students through beach cleanups and conservation events
Non-eligible activities:
- Travel to education conferences or other meetings.
- Professional membership fees;
- Tuition or course fees.
The most recent applications, for 2026, closed on January 15, 2026, 11:59 PM EST. Applications are not currently being taken.
Information, announcements, and application reminders for current and future grants rounds will be posted to the SCB Marine Program listserv, in the Marine Program news, and on the Program’s social media pages. If you have questions, please email the Marine Program Science Officer. Previous grant recipients may complete their final Small Grants Report Form using this form. If you require the guidelines document or forms in large print, audio, Braille, or a colored background, please contact the Marine Program Diversity Committee Chair Shaili Johri.
- Funds must be spent within 12 months of award
- Progress updates required every six months
- Written final report due at end of 12-month period
- Application Deadline: January 15, 2026, 11:59 PM EST
- Award notifications: 6-8 weeks (early 2026)
- Funds dispersed: Early 2026
Questions? Email scbmarinecomms@gmail.com with ‘MarineGrants2026’ in the subject line
Accessibility: Guidelines available in large print, audio, Braille, or colored background upon request.
Conservation Education Small Grants Past Recipients
Estefanía Sanchez-Flores
Ecuador
Details
Bio:
I am an Environmental Engineer from Universidad de Las Américas (UDLA) and hold a Master’s degree in Conservation Biology from Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE). I am currently pursuing a PhD in Natural Resources and Sustainable Management at the University of Córdoba, Spain.
I am a conservation researcher and founder of Yemanyá-Agua y Conservación, an Ecuadorian NGO that conducts applied conservation research. My own work focuses on environmental education and the conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems, connecting science, communities, and creative approaches to conservation. I also work on sea turtle conservation and enjoy bringing art and creativity into environmental education.
Project Summary:
Sea turtles along Ecuador’s coast are often accidentally captured in artisanal fisheries. For fishers, changing fishing practices is not always easy: their livelihoods, traditions, economic limitations, and safety all influence the decisions they make. This project builds on previous work with fishing communities and expands an active-learning approach to reach more than 40 fishers along the northern coast of Ecuador.
Through practical workshops, participants will continue developing skills in safe onboard release techniques using life-size turtle models and real fishing gear, while exploring the ecological role of sea turtles through playful activities about food webs. The project is part of an ongoing process to strengthen local knowledge and support realistic solutions for reducing sea turtle mortality. We will also evaluate changes in pro-environmental behaviors and share a simple methodological guide so this approach can be adapted and used in other coastal communities in Ecuador.
Dr Caroline Ferguson
Palau is world renown for its extraordinary marine biodiversity and endemism. Sedimentation from recent military development threatens coastal ecosystems on two islands, Angaur and Peleliu, which creates an opportunity to mobilize environmental education of youth and local community members toward a positive end. With 11-15 Palauan high school students we have already recruited into year-round environmental education programs with local non-profit Ebiil Society, we will teach and learn about sedimentation and its impacts on the coral reefs and seagrass beds adjacent to military sites. Students will summarize learnings and findings for community members, and will be further evaluated with pre and post-tests.
Anne Singeo
Palau is world renown for its extraordinary marine biodiversity and endemism. Sedimentation from recent military development threatens coastal ecosystems on two islands, Angaur and Peleliu, which creates an opportunity to mobilize environmental education of youth and local community members toward a positive end. With 11-15 Palauan high school students we have already recruited into year-round environmental education programs with local non-profit Ebiil Society, we will teach and learn about sedimentation and its impacts on the coral reefs and seagrass beds adjacent to military sites. Students will summarize learnings and findings for community members, and will be further evaluated with pre and post-tests.
Mr Harris Wei Khang
Environmental education transcends the mere acquisition of knowledge; it forges a profound connection between humans and nature. In Malaysia, where biodiversity is rich and cultural diversity is vibrant, Rhapsody of Nature aims to revolutionize environmental education through the innovative initiative "Connecting Natural Science Through Storytelling". This project envisions a participatory and immersive experience for young learners, using visually illustrated stories and storytelling modules rooted in folklore and local knowledge to effectively communicate environmental concepts. By engaging with stories, children are encouraged to explore the world beyond mere knowledge, fostering intrinsic motivation to love and care for nature.
Dr Abraham Ogheneruemu Ekperusi
This project seeks to create awareness on the end-of-life disposal methods for fishing gears among fishers in Okerenkoko community. Demonstrate proper fishing gear disposal methods and improve the knowledge of local fishers towards the proper disposal of fishing gears in coastal communities.
Dr Jessica Pratt
This proposal seeks funding for the dissemination of educational materials and activities on ocean conservation and sustainability developed for elementary-aged youth in spring of 2023 by a team of undergraduate science and education students at the University of California, Irvine working under the direction of Dr. Jessica Pratt.