Eliminating STEM Deserts Throughout LA County

K-12 STEAM education

County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

Tens of thousands of elementary school children in Los Angeles County do not receive formal science instruction. Most of these learners come from low-income families and communities with under-resourced schools. They miss out on valuable opportunities to develop critical skills, knowledge, and creative thinking that would benefit them throughout their lifetime. These skills are essential for innovation and problem-solving in our increasingly technology-driven world, and position young people to be viable candidates in STEM careers. It benefits all of LA to have critical thinkers and STEM professionals with true ties to and passion for their communities.

Simultaneously, OTS’s goal is to encourage people of all ages to examine how they and their families can actively protect the nearby ocean and its bountiful resources. Intergenerational learning helps reinforce sustainable habits at home, and the shared experience create deeper emotional connections to marine conservation.

OTS’ intergenerational field trips bridge the STEM education gap for under-resourced youth by offering enriching, family-centered field trips focused on marine science and environmental stewardship. OTS removes access barriers – such as transportation and cost – that can limit participation in STEM programs. Program components include:
Aquarium Exploration
Roundtrip chartered buses from participants’ communities to the Roundhouse Aquarium
The trip highlights marine biodiversity, ocean conservation, and careers in marine science
Youth participate in hands-on STEM activities such as touch tanks, digital exhibits, and simple lab experiments
Exploration and question time based on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Caregivers and adults receive parallel content tailored on how to support environmental learning in their community
2. Beach Exploration
The group walks to the beach below the aquarium where they engage in guided environmental education. Activities can include:
Marine debris cleanup and data logging
Water quality testing
Group reflection on human impact and sustainable practices
3. Community Learning & Resource Toolkit
Each family receives a toolkit (in English and Spanish) containing:
STEM literacy materials and eco-friendly habit trackers
Local volunteer opportunities and continued learning pathways
** Please note that OTS defines “family” as children, their caretakers and loved ones.

Stronger Environmental Stewardship Culture. More residents will become active stewards of their local environments. As awareness grows, communities are more likely to organize cleanups, reduce plastic use, and participate in other actions to protect their natural surroundings.
Intergenerational Learning and Empowerment. The program strengthens family bonds and empowers adults to support childrens’ educational paths, leading to increased family engagement in school and community life.
Healthier Local Ecosystems. As beach stewardship and conservation practices are adopted by more communities, local coastal areas in L.A. County benefit from less pollution, fewer plastics, and more community care. Regular citizen science activities like water testing and marine debris logging help inform local environmental efforts and policy.
Increased Community Cohesion. The program builds bridges between neighborhoods, schools, and cultural groups, creating more connected and resilient L.A. communities.