Sea Scope- Diversity in Our Ocean Planet
Join us to increase minority representation in aquatics and careers that aid in marine conservation! Let's save our planet!
$125
pledged of$60,000
goal
2
0Days Left
Project Description
- Over 70% of our planet is the ocean, from which the largest ecosystem exists...our coral reefs. Despite the difference between fresh and salt water, they all link. The aquatic world sustains all life on earth. And the health of our planet depends on our efforts to preserve and conserve our aquatic environments.
- Sea Scope Incorporated aims to increase minority participation in marine conservation efforts. The problem, however, is approximately 70% of African Americans cannot swim. Drowning is also known to be the second leading cause of death for children 1-14 years old. We strive to increase diversity in aquatics by providing water safety workshops, snorkeling workshops, as well as scuba diving training.
- Within the state of Indiana, there are over 100 STEM certified schools. However, according to many African American scientists here in Indianapolis and those that participated in 2020's international strike, #ShutDownSTEM, there is systemic racism that exists within education resulting in the lack of retaining minorities within STEM. In addition, it was noted that the lack of African American mentors is a factor in the lack of minorities in science professions. According to DATA USA, Environmental science is the least diverse field in the sciences. But, African Americans have been shown to have a great concern in the fate of our planet as with any other race or ethnicity. Sea Scope aims to promote careers and eco-friendly lifestyles by educating the community about the importance of decreasing our carbon footprint and participation in conservation efforts. Science educational workshops and marine conservation activities within our Sea Scope Discoverers Program are the hallmarks of the organization through aquatics training.
- Living through a global pandemic has resulted in an increased awareness of the need of various types of mental health programs. Aquatic activities have shown to have positive effects on those struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, and ADHD. There have been several participants, including Sea Scope's Founder, that can attest to the mental health benefits of aquatics. Swimming is calming, in addition to having physical health benefits, such as helping those with chronic joint ailments. Underwater meditation, by way of scuba diving, helps focus the mind, allows one to become more self-aware, and builds peace and tranquility. For those that financially need assistance for pool memberships and open water scuba diving certifications for the purposes of therapy, Sea Scope Inc. strives to be a resource.
- In 2020, Indianapolis (Marion County and Hamilton County) was known to have approximately 28.55% African American and 60.90% White (of a population of 887, 232) residents. According to the CDC and USA Swimming, 64% of African American children have very low to no swimming ability, with a 13% chance that a child will learn to swim if their parents do not know how. The target audience is vast and projected to reach 200 youth and adolescents. Parents need to learn to be safe and comfortable in water to overall decrease drowning rates. Underrepresented minority and underprivileged youth (8 years of age) to young Adults (26 years of age) are the target for the Sea Scope Discoverers Program. The program is designed to provide educational activities, snorkeling, and scuba diving training (ages 10+) to encourage Discoverers to work towards obtaining degrees and/or careers that aid in saving our planet. Additionally, the program is designed to build relationships within the community so that mentors and mentees have longstanding relationships, which promotes the success of each participant in future work and achieving life goals. Social-emotional development and character building, along with spiritual grounding is heavily emphasized in the Discoverers Program.
- Sea Scope Inc. NEEDS your help! Donations will be allocated towards funding scientific educational workshops (rental of classroom facility, classroom materials, transportation to local reservoirs, transportation and entry to Shedd Aquarium, transportation and entry to Georgia Aquarium, Annual Youth Symposium for youth research presentations), water safety and snorkeling workshops (rental of the local high school pool, purchase of mask and snorkel and fins), and scuba diving training and coral reef conservation activities for Junior Varsity and Varsity Discoverers (rental of pool, eLearning, scuba diving gear rental, transportation to complete open water certifications and associated fees, transportation to marine conservation activities, lodging).
- Sea Scope Inc. Founder: Doctor Allyson Fisher
- Dr. Fisher, Founder of Sea Scope, believes that this organization is purposed by God. Her path began to construct the program in Indianapolis as early as her teenage years. Youth minority summer research programs, obtaining two science degrees and working in academic and government research, and later obtaining a doctoral degree in healthcare, were all experiences with the common theme of a chronic lack of underrepresented minorities in the sciences. After obtaining her Divemaster certification and taking a pledge to be an eco-friendly marine activist, Dr. Fisher devoted her life to serving God, by caring for the planet and educating her community. Dr. Fisher has a Bachelor of Biochemical Biophysical Sciences, Master of Forensic Science, Doctorate of Optometry, is a PADI, SSI, and SDI Divemaster, Worldwide Christian Scuba Divers Organization Member, National Association of Black Scuba Diving Member and Founder of the Indiana affiliate club New Depth Dive Association, Divers Alert Network Member, Swim Instructor at the YMCA, and Scuba School International Ecology Instructor.
- Sea Scope Inc and all that benefit from your donations would like to graciously thank you. Thank you to those that share what this organization is striving to accomplish. Word of mouth travels a long way and we appreciate it! May God bless everyone! And we look forward to having a successful first year because of your generosity!
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Where are you located?
- Indianapolis, IN
- What age groups are welcome to participate in Sea Scope Discoverers Program?
- Ages 8 to 26, but must be 10 years of age or older to participate in Scuba Diving
- How can my child become a participant of Sea Scope Discoverers Program?
- Contact us at [email protected] for further information.
11/15/2021
Monetary Contribution
$100
Senora A.
11/14/2021
Monetary Contribution
$25
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Just Because I Care
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