IMPETUS
Improving Minority Participation in Education and Training in the Underwater Sciences
Program Mission
Building the next generation of socially conscious, underwater explorers and environmental stewards through STEM enrichment and marine conservation.
Program Description
The STREAMS program is designed to introduce middle and high school girls to a multitude of activities that integrate Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics with SCUBA, and develop leadership skills. Program participants learn about in engage in underwater photography & videography; photogrammetry, 3D design and fabrication, autonomous drone operations for mission planning and photography/videography, are trained in SCUBA and principles of scientific diving, and build and pilot underwater remote operate vehicles with video recording capabilities to study the biodiversity of ecosystems, such as reef behavior. Each year, students complete a capstone experience where they will have an opportunity to utilize knowledge and skills, and display appropriate dispositions that are consistent with socially conscious SCUBA diving practices and environmental stewardship. This capstone expedition will yield a social impact project of the participant’s choice.
Andros Island Capstone at Forfar Field Station
Black Girls Dive Foundation has developed a digital badge ecosystem that enables BGD Scholars to earn digital badges to demonstrate their achievement of specific skills, knowledge and competencies. BGD Scholars can then build their academic e-portfolio to show a potential employer for internships/externships or share with admission’s officers for college and university..
If you are interested in the STREAMS program, complete the interest form by clicking the button below
PROGRAM GOALS
Support STEM learning and literacy by providing participants with a comprehensive integrated STEM and SCUBA experience
Provide opportunities for youth to actively engage in activities that support environmental sustainability
Cultivate environmental stewardship within the youth population
Provide learning spaces that support youth voice, agency and self-confidence
Program Learning Outcomes
After completing the STREAMS program, students will be able to:
Discuss the various career pathways in the marine sciences.
Explain the environmental and human factors that impact our climate and ocean health.
Perform safe scuba diving skills
“We are so honored to be part of Black Girls Dive. My daughter was a competitive swimmer and had an injury which set her back and we wondered if she would be able to realize her dream of obtaining a sports scholarship to pursue her interest in mathematics and engineering. BGD came at the right time and gave us hope because it repurposed her water talent and STEM passion in a way that I think is even more meaningful because it instills a sense of purpose and creates community.
My daughter says the program is fun, and she is excited to learn about diving in the ocean. She also finds the drone training interesting. I think her feedback is a testament to the BGD coaches who are engaging and committed to our girls. ”
Application Process
Complete the STREAMS application using the link below
Recommendations: Once the application is complete, a link will be sent to the parent/guardian’s email address . This link will direct you to the recommendation request form. Three Recommendations are needed: (1) Math teacher; (2) Science Teacher and (3) Guidance Counselor/Dean of Students/Community Organization.
Swim evaluation is scheduled. The swim evaluation is not a test, but an opportunity to observe the prospective candidate in the water.
Complete the Parent and applicant interview
The STREAMS program is sponsored by the Maxar Foundation and the Society for Science & The Public
