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.

Our Latest News

Only one week left of MERITO's Marine Science Afterschool Beach Camp

For the last 6 weeks, our after school beach camps have been engaging local youth in meaningful, memorable, and fun outdoor experiences at the San Buenaventura State Beach.

Only one week left this fall season on

November 2-6, 2020

This program could result in a myriad of academic, social, and health benefits for participants. Exposure to nature through environmental education enhances learners' cognitive functioning, self-discipline, and character development, in addition to numerous physical and mental health benefits. Learn more about the benefits of outdoor learning here.

Enroll Online

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

Our Mission is ocean protection through education, conservation, citizen science, and to inspire the next generation of environmental professionals.

462 Educators Trained

18,280

4th-12th grade students immersed in ocean and climate education

449 Project proposals authored by students to reduce their school carbon footprint

10,984

Students sponsored education trips to Channel Islands

479 Hands on conservation and/or citizen science field experiences

$39,500

Disbursed as cash and in kind prizes to students authors of best projects

How We Do It

Ocean and Climate

Education Programs

Bilingual Outreach

Conservation and Citizen Science

International Citizen Science

Teacher's Training Workshops

Services Tailored for Schools

TerryEllinston_CountyLine-MERITOAcademy2

"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

The MERITO Foundation is being recognized with the Community Foundation Award at the Water: Take 1 Film Festival

The award honors the Foundation's effort to build ocean stewardship and environmental literacy among local youth. Through a partnership between the MERITO Foundation and Ventura Water, over 1,500 students from Ventura schools have visited the Ventura Water Reclamation Facility since 2017. During field experiences, students learn about the importance of conserving water in our region, how our water distribution system works, and how to reduce urban runoff pollution.

The award will be presented during the Water: Take 1 Film Festival organized by Ventura Water. The film festival is a free, public event featuring short films that showcase critical water issues and community efforts in water conservation.

This event was postponed. Check back soon for a new date!