Diving into Success: Youth Lead the Way with “Dive into Science” Program

By Angelina Komatovich, Reef Check Dive into Science Program Coordinator

Reef Check’s Dive into Science Antelope Valley and Los Angeles programs are in full swing right now! Dive into Science (DIS) is a marine science and SCUBA education program for foster and Transitional Age Youth (TAY) in the Antelope Valley and Los Angeles areas.

Our 23 divers have already completed over 300 dives for the year, and we are not done yet! This year we have run four Open Water classes and one Advanced Open Water course, with another Advanced Open Water class coming up in November. After the initial Open Water certification, our divers have the opportunity to sign up for more dives to continue growing their skills. This year, they have already been diving at various Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) at three of the eight Channel Islands: Anacapa Island, Santa Cruz Island, and Catalina Island. We plan to begin their Rescue Diver certifications early next year.

October 11th was the California Seaweed Festival at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in Los Angeles. Our DIS participants had a great meet-up and a chance to engage with Reef Check staff and participate in a scavenger hunt. The event was filled with educational opportunities, art, seaweed tastings, and of course, mermaids!

As for the rest of the year, we have a few exciting field trips coming up—whale watching in November and exploring Santa Cruz Island (by land) and learning about its natural history in December. These new divers are fully immersing themselves into the marine biology world and finding out what careers await them.

This program is funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants and Local Services.