My Nonprofit Reviews

Although the focus is on teaching K-12 students about marine science, the underlying purpose of the Marine Science Institute is broader: promote science literacy, give young children an opportunity to meet and interact with real scientists, and provide adult role models, especially for girls. While COVID-19 has virtually eliminated MSI's program of classroom visits, it's still holding limited classes on its campus and taking children out on San Francisco Bay on its 90-foot research vessel R/V Robert G. Brownlee.

While its curricula are aligned with state standards, the best measure of its success isn't simply the knowledge gained by the students. It's the smiles on their faces as they recognize their own competence and envision another possible future for them.