Adopt-A-Class
About Ocean Institute’s Adopt-A-Class Program
Adopt-a-Class was founded by the Board twenty years ago to enable underserved students from primarily Title I schools in low-income communities to visit the Ocean Institute for no or reduced fee. To this day, generous sponsors provide unique opportunities for hands-on learning both in-person and virtually to broaden the horizons and open new pathways to successful futures.
Adopt-A-Class Policy
Ocean Institute’s Adopt-A-Class program has provided sponsored field trips for Title 1 schools for over twenty years.
Due to the increasing number of applicants in recent years, the program’s structure is evolving to serve as many different schools as possible.
Starting in 2025, the amount of funding awarded to schools will be influenced by the number of years each school has previously been awarded Adopt-A-Class funding.
The first year of Adopt-A-Class will be fully funded; and following years will be funded in the following percentages:
Second Year – 75% funded
Third Year – 50% funded
Fourth Year – 25% funded
At the fifth-year mark, Ocean Institute’s team of professionals will assist the school to fundraise for the field trip on their own.
Our hope is that with this new policy, more schools will be able to experience the wonders of the ocean first-hand, while also gaining the fundraising tools needed to support themselves.
Adopt-A-Class 2025-2026
Applications for the 2025-2026 school year are now closed and are under review.
If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please fill out the form by clicking the button below.
OCEAN INSTITUTE X NORDHAVN
Ocean Institute is thrilled to partner with Nordhavn, a Dana Point-based leader in marine engineering, to launch a unique educational program for high school students. This specialty program will explore the engineering behind boat design and examine the environmental impact of boating on marine ecosystems. Through hands-on learning and real-world applications, students will gain valuable insights into both innovation and conservation. Title-1 high school teachers are encouraged to apply for this engaging, cross-disciplinary opportunity!
Student Aid Application
Teachers from underserved or Title I schools that have partial field trip funding through their schools or PTAs and are seeking assistance to fund their field trip program are encouraged to fill out the Student Aid Application.
*Funding availability for Student Aid or scholarships is subject to change depending on what grants have been awarded to the Ocean Institute.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I received funding in prior years, do I automatically receive funding or qualify for available grants?
Applications for our Adopt-A-Class program must be submitted each school year. Funding is not guaranteed each year as a school’s qualifying criteria may change.
I've submitted my application, now what?
Thank you for your submission! Acceptances will be sent out on April 23, 2024.
Can I book my field trip(s) before I apply for funding?
Yes, but your field trip(s) will be considered as a self-paid trip until you are approved for funding. If you do not receive funding, your school or PTA are expected to pay for your field trip(s).
Does funding include the cost of transportation or busing?
No. Unless specifically written in by the donor, funding receive does not include transportation to and from the Ocean Institute.
If I receive funding, when would my field trip(s) take place?
Most funded field trips will take place between September-January. However, some grants have different field trip date requirements that will be noted in the application email.
If I don't receive funding, what are some ways that my school can fundraise for our field trip(s)?
- Partner with restaurants to do a school fundraiser
- Fundraising letters to local businesses
- Loose change drives
- After school snack or candy sales