Youth Programs
Meet Elevations Foundation Grantee: Ocean First Institute
Here in Colorado, we are a long way from the ocean. But our rivers flow to both the Atlantic and the Pacific, and the choices we make here can have a global impact. Boulder-based Ocean First Institute is dedicated to ocean conservation through research and education.... READ MORE
Out of the Classroom, Into the Field: Belize Expedition
Underwater baited cameras, plankton tows, coral transects, and laser photogrammetry devices made up only a portion of the scientific apparatus aboard the Belize Aggressor III, where Kent Denver students performed hands-on citizen science on a recent youth research expedition.... READ MORE
Ocean Conservation in Colorado?
This is one of the main questions asked at Ocean First Institute community outreach events. While there is quite some distance from the mountains of Colorado to the ocean shorelines, it is easy to forget the interconnectedness of the world’s waterways. Our actions in Colorado affect marine life all across the globe.... READ MORE
Dreamer Scholars Take A Virtual Trip to the Ocean!
Through a partnership with the “I Have a Dream” Foundation of Boulder County, Ocean First Institute visited with students from Columbine Elementary over four weeks to connect the scholars with marine life and issues facing our planet today. Students were able to touch real shark jaws, dissect albatross boluses, and even go on virtual dives through the waters of Indonesia!... READ MORE
Dr. Mikki McComb-Kobza and Ocean First Institute Receive National Recognition!
Congratulations go to our Executive Director, Dr. Mikki McComb-Kobza, on receiving the Blue Friend of the Year Award! This was Loggerhead Marine Life Center’s Ninth Annual Go Blue Award Luncheon, recognizing businesses, nonprofits, and individuals who have promoted, implemented, or contributed to a “Blue” lifestyle of marine conservation.... READ MORE
Scientists Investing in Education and a Better Future
Over the past three years, Ocean First Institute (OFI) has helped over 3,000 local youth discover the wonders of our ocean. From virtual SCUBA diving to dissections, from local community action projects to mock field research exercises, scientists with OFI have given students the opportunity to explore the fields of marine science & conservation right here in the mountains of Colorado.... READ MORE
Connecting Youth with the Ocean
Our Executive Director, Dr. Mikki McComb-Kobza, recently had the opportunity to join the Misión Tiburón team in Costa Rica to participate in a special shark education event.... READ MORE
Community Scholarships Help Campers Shine!
The donations of time, work, and funds that our supporters, volunteers, and donors provide allow us to expand our scope and make a bigger difference in our community and for the planet. Learn how scholarships helped shape our summer camp programs!... READ MORE
FREE LIVE BROADCAST!
Join Dr. Mikki on an adventure of a lifetime as she takes you with her on a dive with Great White Sharks! Learn all about these incredible sharks as she narrates the whole experience while underwater.
LIVE Monday, October 24th at 10:30 am MST
... READ MORE
Ocean First Institute Partners in Research Expedition to Belize
I have just returned from leading 16 students on a week-long expedition to Belize. I have been leading trips for many years and I have to say this was the best one I have ever been part of.... READ MORE