MERITO Foundation
Ocean education, conservation & citizen 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
Our Mission is to protect the ocean and coast by providing experiences in marine recreation, conservation, scientific research, advocacy, and environmental entrepreneurship to multicultural youth and their communities, supported by robust environmental education.
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
