Climate Action United States Project #38692

Empower 17,000 kids to Save the Ocean

by Ocean Blue

Project Report | Nov 24, 2025
We didn't expect this... but now we need YOUR help

By Karisa Arterbury | Director of Operations + Development (volunteer)

Dear Ocean Blue Project Supporter,

We didn't expect this…

Just recently, Kathy Lynch of Green Matters surprised us with an $11,000 grant to fund our 2026 East Coast CleanUp Tour, with a special focus on developing stewardship interns - many of whom will be young people discovering their passion for ocean conservation. Her unexpected generosity sparked a question: What if we could give even more students the tools to become environmental leaders?

Today, we're asking: Will you help us empower the next generation with the education they need to save our ocean?

This Giving Tuesday launches our Save the Waves campaign with an ambitious goal: raise $200,000 by December 31st. We've raised $11,398 so far with $25,000 pledged, leaving $163,602 to go.

Our 2025 Impact: Inspiring Young Ocean Advocates

This year, our flagship OBP Blue Schools program has continued educating K-12 students about the vital watershed-ocean connection, building a new generation of ocean advocates who understand how the waterways beneath their feet connect to our one world ocean.

This summer brought fresh energy through our first high school intern, Zack B., whose leadership in delivering educational activities and workshops for younger students proved the incredible value of engaging high school students in our work. Zack's commitment energized our entire team and demonstrated meaningful growth for both himself and the K-12 students we serve.

Our broader impact this year: Since 2024, Ocean Blue Project has removed 2,125,717 pounds of debris-and every pound removed teaches students that their actions matter.

The Future is Taking Shape: Education Station + New Curriculum

Right now, we're at a pivotal moment. We're working to:

1. Construct our Education Station at our East Coast Regional Headquarters in Lottsburg, Virginia-a dynamic hub designed with the charm of a one-room schoolhouse where students, interns, and volunteers will gather for hands-on learning, creative workshops, and community engagement. Funding is urgently needed to complete this transformative space.

2. Launch comprehensive new curriculum resources featuring 36 weeks of STREAM lesson plans (Science, Technology, Reading/Writing, Engineering, Arts, and Math) that highlight the connections between local watersheds and our one world ocean. These resources will empower K-12 educators and interns nationwide to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

[DONATE NOW - DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT FOR STUDENTS]

What's at Stake: 32 Days to Reach Our Goal

We have just over a month to raise $163,602 and hit our $200,000 target. Your support will:

Complete the Education Station construction
Finalize and distribute 36 weeks of STREAM curriculum
Train 7 additional local youth interns for broader student leadership
Achieve our target of 10 intern-led workshops by this school year's end
Expand partnerships with schools across the region

The Ripple Effect

When you invest in OBP Blue Schools, you're not just funding a program - you're equipping young people with the knowledge, skills, and passion to protect our planet for their entire lifetimes.

You're creating moments where a high school student like Zack discovers their leadership potential. Where a third-grader learns that the stream behind their school flows to the ocean. Where a teacher finds ready-to-use lessons that bring environmental science to life.

Kathy Lynch's unexpected gift will train young interns on New Jersey beaches. Your gift today will educate thousands of students in classrooms from Virginia to Oregon-and far beyond.

Will you help us reach 17,000 kids and empower them to save the ocean?

Together, we're nurturing skills in leadership and collaboration. We're building a community invested in stewardship and positive change. And we're laying the foundation for a thriving generation of ocean advocates.

Thank you for believing in our students. Thank you for investing in education. And thank you for making the unexpected possible.

With deep gratitude,

Karisa Arterbury
Ocean Blue Project

P.S. The Education Station and new curriculum resources are ready to transform how we teach ocean conservation - but we need your help to cross the finish line. What can you gift this year?

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Sep 22, 2025
Support for K12 Ocean Education Station Needed

By Karisa Arterbury | Director of Operations and Development (volunteer)

Intern Zack B with group at Potomac River CleanUp

This summer has been especially inspiring for the Ocean Blue Project (OBP), thanks to the experiential learning and energetic contributions of our high school intern, Zack B. Traditionally, OBP engages college students, but partnering with a high school intern provided new perspectives, enriched our programs, and engaged our entire team.

Our flagship OBP Blue Schools program continues to educate local K-12 students about the watershed-ocean connection, building a new generation of ocean advocates. Looking forward, Ocean Blue Project is taking on the challenge of constructing an Education Station dedicated to inspiring K12 students to steward their local watersheds with an understanding of how vital the ocean-watershed connection is for all life in and outside of our one world ocean.

Intern Spotlight

Zack B., High School Intern

Zack’s commitment energized the entire team, demonstrated by his leadership in delivering educational activities and workshops designed for younger students. The OBP team observed meaningful growth, both for Zack and the K12 students the OBP Blue Schools program aims to inspire, proving the value of including high school students in our internship opportunities. This experience will help shape future intern roles at OBP.

Program Goals & Impact

At the heart of our project is a commitment to fostering a vibrant, hands-on learning environment where young people and emerging leaders can connect with their local ecosystem in meaningful and memorable ways. Through the newly envisioned Education Station, being housed at Ocean Blue’s East Coast Headquarters in Lottsburg, VA, is designed to align with the local community aesthetic combined with the charm and inclusivity of a one-room schoolhouse, we aim to create a dynamic hub for creativity, exploration, and community engagement. Here, interns, participants, and students come together to share knowledge, lead workshops, and inspire one another.

Our broader vision extends far beyond workshops or classroom walls. We seek to spark curiosity and deepen understanding about the vital connections between our watersheds and the ocean. By inviting students and aspiring educators to take leading roles, we nurture skills in leadership and collaboration, while building a community that’s invested in stewardship and positive change.

This journey is not one we take alone. Collaboration with local schools is central to bringing these experiences to life, ensuring students from across the region can participate and grow. We are also inspired by the dedication and creativity of our interns and volunteers, whose passion continues to drive the project forward.

As we invest in expanding our capacity, both physically, with the construction of the Education Station, and programmatically, through innovative outreach, OBP Blue Schools laying the foundation for a thriving, collaborative network. Together, we’re equipping the next generation with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to make a lasting impact on their communities and the natural world

Key Activities

Educational Workshops: Hands-on exploration of how local watersheds connect to ocean health, including water sampling, recycling activities, and eco-art projects.
Intern Leadership: Interns, like high schooler Zack B., take on new leadership roles, designing and delivering key workshop modules.
Outreach & Expansion: Ongoing partnerships with schools are laying the groundwork for the Education Station, a space designed for immersive, collaborative learning.

Funding Update

As part of our ongoing campaign, funding is urgently needed to construct the new Education Station in Lottsburg, VA. This dedicated space will multiply our reach and effectiveness for years to come.

Looking Ahead

Complete construction of Education Station with secured funding.
Achieve target of 10 intern-led workshops by this school year’s end.
Train an additional 7 local youth interns/participants for broader student leadership.

Thank you, GlobalGiving donors and community partners, for empowering students and young leaders committed to saving our ocean. Investors like you make these achievements and future growth possible.

For more details or to support our efforts, please contact Karisa Arterbury, volunteer@oceanblueproject.org

Warmly,

Karisa Arterbury

Links:

OBP Blue School Program Details

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Mar 24, 2025
A Wave of Education: The Success of Our First Quar

By Karisa Arterbury | Director, Ocean Blue Project Blue Schools Program

Dear Supporters,

As we embark on a new year, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to each of you for your unwavering support and passion for ocean conservation. The Ocean Blue Project Blue Schools program thrives because of your dedication, and we are thrilled to share the remarkable achievements of our first quarter.

Welcome to Our New Partners

This year, the OBP Blue Schools program proudly welcomed new members from Piggott Academy of International Studies in Nevada. Under the guidance of Mr. Mitchell, their inquisitive 5th-grade class enthusiastically engaged in our "DeepDive" webinars. They explored the critical issue of marine debris, showcasing an inspiring curiosity about its causes and solutions. These monthly webinars continue to connect with students of all ages, fostering a widespread passion for protecting our oceans.

Impactful CleanUp Events

Our commitment to maintaining clean and vibrant oceans is unwavering. Thanks to the leadership of Alondra G. and support from TRIO Student Support Services at Oregon State University, we hosted a successful CleanUp event at Nye Beach in Newport, OR. With 88 dedicated volunteers, we removed 530 pounds of debris, including microplastics, trash, and even larger items like bikes and suitcases. It's through these collective efforts that we tackled marine pollution, step by step.

Milestone Achievements in Debris Removal

Remarkable progress was made in our ongoing mission to remove plastic and debris from our oceans. By the end of 2024, we celebrated a significant milestone of 2 million pounds of debris cleared, setting a strong foundation for continued success in 2025.

Vision for 2025-2026: Expanding Our Reach

As we gaze towards the future, we are excited to announce our forthcoming East Coast Regional Headquarters and the OBP Blue Schools Youth Education Center in Lottsburg, VA. This initiative aims to serve the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay region, reaching students from K-12 to college level as part of our broader ambition to make a worldwide impact.

Our eyes are set on taking the OBP Blue Schools program international, driven by our proud partnership with UNESCO as a Green Citizen. Educators around the globe have been reaching out to us, eager to ignite ocean conservation efforts within their own communities. The enthusiasm and interest are palpable, and now, with your support, we just need the funding to turn this vision into reality!

Once again, we're grateful for your steadfast support. Together, we can turn the tide, creating a brighter and more sustainable future for our oceans.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Karisa Arterbury

Director, Ocean Blue Project Blue Schools Program

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