press release
NEW YORK – [August 03, 2023]: Global ocean exploration nonprofit, OceanX, has announced a historic partnership with distinguished HBCU Howard University. The partnership offers Howard students an in-depth educational experience with ocean exploration and marine science and operations. The partnership underlines OceanX’s efforts to increase diversity in STEM education and serves to bridge existing gaps in the marine sciences by equipping Howard students and faculty with resources and opportunities across four core areas: OceanX’s Young Explorers program, employment opportunities, research and curriculum development, and partnership building.
“It is an honor to serve the students and faculty of Howard University, one of North America’s most celebrated institutions. This partnership will further oceanographic education while increasing diversity and representation in the marine sciences and STEM education at large,” said Vincent Pieribone, co-CEO and chief science officer at OceanX. “OceanX’s collaboration with Howard is a milestone in our mission to nurture the next generation of pioneering marine explorers. We look forward to our collaboration with the university and to making STEM learning even more accessible to all students.”
Through its flagship Young Explorers program, OceanX selects students to embark on an educational journey aboard OceanXplorer, the one-of-a-kind scientific research, media production, and exploration vessel used by OceanX to explore the ocean and bring it back to the world. Program participants learn about the convergence of captivating media and ocean exploration, research and operations. The 2023 Young Explorers program will host a cohort of Howard University students.
The OceanX-Howard collaboration will extend beyond academia, creating employment opportunities at OceanX for Howard students, along with an ongoing exploration of other opportunities for collaboration.
Faculty members will also have opportunities to participate in the partnership, with curriculum development being a key component of the planned work. Live classroom opportunities will be incorporated into biology courses, and professors will be invited to join the OceanXplorer, working with other professionals to help guide their curriculum. Similarly, professors and students alike will have opportunities to participate in ocean research projects. Extending into OceanX’s esteemed partner network, students and faculty at Howard will be able to engage and work with leaders from organizations such as Black in Marine Science, Coral Vita, Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute, NOAA, and others.
The OceanX-Howard partnership builds on OceanX’s educational work with HBCUs and organizations furthering diversity in STEM. In the last year, the organization partnered with renowned HBCU Spelman College, Black in Marine Science, and the Ocean Discovery League to create more opportunities for diverse stuents to access ocean exploration and marine science.
For more information about OceanX’s Young Explorers program, visit the OceanX website.
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