REEF Ocean Explorers Education Programs bring oceans to life through online and in-person learning. Our programs include hands-on lessons and activities to teach participants of all ages and backgrounds about ocean life and habitats, while empowering people to make a difference. We tailor programs to each group's unique needs and interests, creating a memorable learning experience and helping people to build connections to the ocean. 2023 was an amazing and impactful year for REEF Ocean Explorers Education programs, and we're proud to share some stats and highlights from the past year.

• 31 education sessions provided at no cost to participants, with support from the Oceans for All Fund, including 14 in-person Discovery Programs, 11 virtual Discovery Programs, and 6 live Virtual Field Trip sessions.

• 85 in-person programs taught in the Florida Keys. More than half of these programs were hosted at the REEF Campus in Key Largo.

• 18 online programs for students in grades 3-12, including both Virtual Field Trips and Virtual Case Studies.

• 46 organizations or schools served, including both local and out-of-state groups such as Therapeutic Scuba Institute’s Camp Open SEAS, Long Island Network Divers, The Greensboro Science Center, Road Scholars, Westcoast Connection, The Road Less Traveled, Community School of Naples, Broward County Public School, Diving with a Purpose, Dive N2 Life, Phelps Center for Gifted Education, North Stewart Elementary, Coral Shores High School, Ocean Studies Charter School, Plantation Key School, Key Largo School, and Georgia State University.

• Over 2,300 individuals engaged, from elementary school students to senior citizens.

This year we also expanded our resources for educators by offering a free online professional development workshop, designed for educators to incorporate REEF Virtual Field Trips and Case Studies into their classrooms and programs. Click here to view a recording of this webinar. To stay connected with our growing network of education partners and raise awareness about REEF education programs, we launched a free periodic Ocean Explorers newsletter for educators. Click here to join the email list.

To advance our growing education programs, this year we formed the REEF Education Advisory Panel, consisting of individuals from both formal and informal education settings. This group of volunteer educators will contribute to REEF's education efforts and programs by providing feedback and insight. Their input will help shape REEF Ocean Explorers Education programs while helping us stay up to date with trends and emerging opportunities in the field. Click here read more about the Education Advisory Panel.

To learn more about REEF Ocean Explorers Education Programs, visit www.REEF.org/explorers or check out the "Education" tab on our website.