Bringing America's Ocean and Great Lakes Treasures to You!

PreK-12 Teachers

Promote watershed and ocean stewardship
in your school or local community by becoming a

NOAA Ocean Guardian School

Through a school- or community-based project, students work to make a difference in the health and protection of their local watersheds, the ocean, and special ocean areas like national marine sanctuaries.

APPLICATIONS are now open!

Application deadline: July 1, 2025

Who is Eligible to Participate in the Ocean Guardian School Program?

Participation without funding: Any school (PreK-12) in the United States may apply to participate without funding.

Participation with funding: Grant amounts range from $1,000 - $4,000 per school depending on the program region and funding year. Any school (PreK-12) from the following locations may apply for an Ocean Guardian School grant.

• California counties: Del Norte, Humboldt, Trinity, Mendocino, Lake, Sonoma, Napa, Marin, Solano, San Francisco, Contra Costa, Sacramento, San Mateo, Alameda, San Joaquin, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, Stanislaus, Monterey, San Benito, Merced, Madera, Fresno, San Luis Obispo, Kern, Kings, Tulare, Santa Barbara, and Ventura
• Washington counties: Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor and Pacific
• Oregon counties: Clatsop, Tillamook, Lincoln, Lane, Douglas, Coos and Curry
• Hawaii

Questions? Contact Alyssa Leadingham at alyssa.leadingham@noaa.gov