December 8, 2017
OC GRIP REWARDS 45 AT-RISK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH VISIT TO OCEAN INSTITUTE IN DANA POINT
SANTA ANA, Calif. – The Orange County Gang Reduction Intervention Partnership (OC GRIP), Ocean Institute, and their partners, including the Garden Grove Police Department, Orange County Probation Department, and Orange County Sheriff’s Department, rewarded 45 local at-risk elementary school students with a visit to the Ocean Institute in Dana Point as an incentive for positive behavior, perfect attendance, and staying out of gangs. To earn this reward, the students met a challenge to have no unexcused absences, criminal activity or arrests, violence or weapons on campus, and gang-related clothing, writing, or behavior.
Over the past several months, OC GRIP and Ocean Institute collaborated to provide at-risk students with the opportunity to learn about marine science. Ocean Institute staff visited the campuses of Pyles STEM Academy in Stanton, and Wakeham Elementary School and Lawrence Elementary School in Garden Grove to introduce students to marine and maritime science concepts, oceanography, ecology, potential career opportunities available to them in the future, and the wonders of the ocean. Students participated in several learning exercises that taught them about concepts such as buoyancy, environmental conservation, and marine animals.
At the visit to the Ocean Institute facility today, students participated in hands-on interactive learning experiences, including the opportunity to sail on two different vessels.
Jonathan Witt, Senior Education Director of the Ocean Institute stated, “Our partnership with OC GRIP allows us to continue our mission to provide enriching, life-changing moments for our community. We are excited to welcome these students to Dana Point and allow them to explore the mysteries and beauty of the Pacific Ocean. I truly believe this experience will leave an indelible mark on these students.”
To watch a video with clips from the event, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/OCDATony/videos/1628917060487156/