On a sunny Thursday morning, a radiance of excitement filled the air as young children gathered around small fish tanks at the Ocean Discovery Institute’s Living Lab.
At that moment, six-year-old Diego Cortez, a student from Rosa Parks Elementary, stood out with his bashful grin, sharing his admiration for hermit crabs as he ran his fingers over mussels and sea snails.
For Cortez and his kindergarten classmates, this was a thrilling first visit to the facility, located just a 15-minute walk from their school.
The Ocean Discovery Institute has spent nearly two decades dedicated to providing hands-on experiences in natural science to students in City Heights, many of whom have never even seen the beach.
The nonprofit organization has earned numerous awards during its journey, establishing a robust relationship with San Diego Unified School District and building lasting connections with the local community they serve.
However, despite its achievements and community impact, the Ocean Discovery Institute is facing challenges, particularly due to federal budget cuts that have forced them to reduce some of their services.
The vision for the Ocean Discovery Institute arose from founder Shara Fisler’s early career experiences. As a young scientist and adjunct faculty member at the University of San Diego, she recognized the significant impact that providing opportunities in science to underrepresented youth could have.
“I realized I can make a much bigger difference creating opportunities in science for young people who don’t receive them than I could if I’m doing science myself,” Fisler stated, reflecting on the moment that birthed the organization.
Initially, Fisler and her small team operated from a kayak shack in Mission Bay, running summer camps where students engaged with the coastal ecosystem, animals, and the fundamentals of science.
From the very beginning, their intention was clear: to serve students with the least access to educational opportunities.
Fast forward to 2008, about a decade after the organization was formed, Fisler shared how Ocean Discovery was now contemplating its future direction.
The decision was made to establish a physical home in City Heights, a vibrant yet under-resourced neighborhood characterized by its significant immigrant populations and economic challenges.
This location became the focal point for their mission, emphasizing the strengths and assets unique to the community.
Since then, the Ocean Discovery Institute has concentrated its efforts on the 13 schools in the Hoover cluster of San Diego Unified, reaching out to an impressive 76 percent of students in that area during the 2023-2024 academic year.
The nonprofit’s offerings extend from kindergarten through 12th grade, encompassing a range of free programs that include lessons on wetland conservation, climate change, and even research trips to Baja California—each rich with opportunities for mentorship from working scientists.
Despite the name suggesting a sole focus on marine life, Fisler explained that the organization’s approach transcends beyond that, using marine experiences as a gateway to empower young people to discover and harness their abilities in science.
Walking through the doors of Ocean Discovery, one can immediately feel its impact on the community.
Jose Zuñiga, now part of the Ocean Discovery team, recalls how he first became involved with the program as a freshman at Hoover High.
“I feel like, as alumni, we have this burning flame inside of us. We know why we do what we do, how much of an impact this had and how important it is for this community,” he mentioned, emphasizing the deep connection alumni have with the organization.
Many former students and volunteers, like Zuñiga, have come full circle and now contribute to the nonprofit.
Teachers from San Diego Unified, such as Rosa Parks kindergarten teacher Linda Guerra-Adame, also reflect on their long-standing relationships with Ocean Discovery.
Guerra-Adame has been aware of the organization for two decades, recalling a time when she brought her own sons from Chula Vista to their programs, underscored by the joy and educational value they provided, even if they were once paid classes.
Now, with Ocean Discovery firmly in City Heights, Guerra-Adame believes that its impact has grown exponentially. Many of her students have yet to experience the beach or gain access to hands-on science education without it.
“This is a jewel right here in City Heights,” Guerra-Adame stated, showcasing how pivotal Ocean Discovery is for the community.
San Diego Unified officials share this perspective. Over the years, the district has recognized Ocean Discovery as an integral part of students’ educational experience, contributing $10 million of Prop Z bond funds to finance the 12,000-square-foot Living Lab, which opened its doors in 2018.
This investment was significant, representing more than half of the facility’s total cost of $17 million, although it initially raised some eyebrows.
However, Trustee Richard Barrera, who oversees the Hoover cluster, affirmed the decision, highlighting Ocean Discovery’s role as an extension of the school experience for those students.
“[Ocean Discovery] very much sees its responsibility as educating students in the Hoover cluster,” Barrera remarked, illustrating the role of community partnerships in enhancing education.
Yet, in late April, the nonprofit faced the repercussions of dramatic federal budget cuts, particularly impacting their long-standing relationship with Americorps, which resulted in the loss of 12 teaching fellow positions.
These cuts had immediate ramifications, leading to the cancellation of after-school programs that had been offered for years, although Ocean Discovery managed to continue school-day offerings for the time being.
With hopes of reinstating these vital programs, the nonprofit has embarked on a new donation campaign to bridge the funding gap left by the cuts.
The unfortunate reality is that Ocean Discovery’s mission often exists at the intersection of social equity and environmental education, facing political challenges that complicate its work.
Yet, Fisler remains resolute in her commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts and sees the current situation as a pivotal opportunity for broader discussions about the importance of such work.
“You have to look at society and say, ‘Yes, there have been and there are injustices… that inequity doesn’t serve individuals, and it doesn’t serve us as a country or community,’” Fisler emphasized, advocating for meaningful approaches to address societal challenges.
As the Ocean Discovery Institute navigates its path forward, its influential role in City Heights remains a testament to what can be achieved through dedication and community collaboration.
image source from：https://voiceofsandiego.org/2025/06/01/the-progress-report-bringing-the-ocean-to-city-heights-students/
