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MERITO Foundation
Ocean education, conservation & community science · Non-profit · Environmental Consultant

MERITO stands for Multicultural Education for Resources Issues Threatening Oceans
Here at MERITO Foundation, we are committed to protecting the ocean by facilitating education, conservation, and scientific research opportunities to multicultural youth and their communities.
600+
Educators Trained
23,000+
4th-12th grade students immersed in ocean and climate education
678
Project proposals authored by students to reduce their school carbon footprint
$32,050
Sponsored the greening of 10 school campuses
12,100+
Students sponsored education trips to Channel Islands
550
Hands on conservation and/or citizen science field experiences
$49,500
Disbursed as cash and in kind prizes to students authors of best projects
29,648
Informed adults on clean and renewable energy options in Ventura County
Our Vision
Our vision is a healthy ocean cared by diverse coastal communities who live in an environmentally responsible manner regardless of native language, economic status, cultural beliefs, or ethnic background because we all share one ocean.
Our Mission
To protect the ocean by engaging multicultural youth and their communities in transformative experiences in environmental education, scientific research, marine conservation & entrepreneurship.
How We Do It
Ocean and Climate Education Programs

Bilingual Outreach
Conservation and
Citizen Science

International Citizen Science

Teachers' Training
Workshops

Services Tailored for Schools


"The MERITO Academy was an inspirational experience for my students and I when I taught 5th grade level. Without the program, my students would not otherwise have gotten access to such a high quality of science instruction."
Teresa (Terry) Ellingson
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