National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration RDML Anita L. Lopez Deputy Director for Operations, Office of Marine and Aviation Operations

NOAA Office of Education NOAA’s Education Vision An informed society that uses ocean, coastal, Great Lakes, weather and climate science to make the best social, economic, and environmental decisions. NOAA’s Education Mission To educate and inspire the Nation to use science toward improving ocean and coastal stewardship, increasing safety and resilience to environmental hazards, and preparing a future workforce to support NOAA’s mission. Each year: Over 500,000 preK-12 students participate in NOAA supported formal education programs. Over 30,000 educators participated in NOAA supported professional development programs. Over 2 million lifelong learners participate in NOAA supported formal education programs. Goal 4 – Future Workforce A diverse and highly skilled future workforce pursues careers in disciplines that support NOAA’s mission. Strategies Support local, regional, and national career exploration programs and education resources Provide scholarships, fellowships, internships, and student training opportunities that promote experiential learning Establish and maintain partnerships with Minority Serving Institutions, professional associations, and other organizations to improve graduation rates Collaborate with academic partners to align student preparation with NOAA’s scientific and workforce needs. Strengthen the links between education initiatives and career pathways at NOAA and related organizations with emphasis on high-needed career fields. NOAA’s Office of Marine & Aviation Operations (OMAO)

Our Future Workforce K-12 and Informal Science Education Grant Programs Environmental Literacy Grants Program Bay Watershed Education and Training Program Outreach Events Science on a Sphere Kid’s Day at NOAA USA Science and Engineering Festival Environmental Literacy Grants Program Longest standing and most comprehensive national grants program focused on environmental literacy that is designed to improve and expand the learning, understanding, and application of Earth systems science and advance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Primary mission is to increase the understanding and use of environmental information to promote stewardship and increase informed decision making by US educators, students, and the public, which directly contributes to NOAA’s mission. Incorporates NOAA’s scientific assets in formal and informal learning environments. Bay Watershed Education and Training Program Promotes locally relevant environmental education opportunities to students as well as related professional development for educators. Emphasize meaningful educational experiences: sustained, hands-on, experiential activities that are aligned with academic learning standards and respond to regional education and environmental priorities. Currently serves seven areas: New England, Chesapeake Bay, Great Lakes, Gulf of Mexico, California, Pacific Northwest, and Hawaii. NOAA’s Office of Marine & Aviation Operations (OMAO)

Teacher at Sea Program 25 Years of Teachers working side-by-side with NOAA scientists on real-world research 330,000+ Students Reached 8,200+ Days at Sea 2,400+ Science Blog Posts 1,300+ Education Products 2.3 Million+ People Reached NOAA’s Office of Marine & Aviation Operations (OMAO)

TAS Program 1990-2014 650+ teachers from every state on NOAA Research Cruises NOAA’s Office of Marine & Aviation Operations (OMAO)

Contacts www.oesd.noaa.gov teacheratsea@noaa.gov teacheratsea.noaa.gov NOAA’s Office of Marine & Aviation Operations (OMAO)