The Bay Academy was formed in 2017 as an academic and research branch of the BayEcotarium. It works with various departments within the organization to curate educational content aligned with the institutional mission. Its goals are to:

• Develop and maintain Digital Archives for Publications and Visual Assets
• Engage in collaborative field research on ocean bio-diversity, pollution and Climate Change with an intent to generate public awareness and action
• Offer Certificate programs and e-learning modules based on marine and environmental science advocacy to highlight global Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)
• Engage Bay Area Corporations through Social Responsibility and Impact Investment Initiatives
• Work with City, Regional, State and Federal institutions on policy, programs, prototyping and Data Analysis

SYLVIA EARLE ACADEMIC (SEA) Scholarship

The Aquarium of the Bay invites applications from currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students aspiring to specialize in environmental studies, ocean conservation, marine biology, sustainability and or policy work.

The $8000 Scholarship will commence on World Ocean Day June 8 each year and will continue over a 12 month period. Please include a 1000 word essay highlighting your on-going work and aspirational impact you strive for, a current resume, enrollment details of the University program and a letter of recommendation from a current faculty member and mail it to [email protected] no later than March 31, 2022.

CLIC Program

Designed for C-Suite executives and mid-career sustainability professionals in the CSR/ ESD realm, the CLIC (Climate Leadership Innovation Certificate) initiative is a 2 Week professional Certification offered in collaboration with UC Berkeley Innovation Forum and program partners at Oxford Leadership and Shammy Jacob-Klooster Consultancy.

Partnership with Sophia University, Japan

The Bay Ecotarium signed a 5-year Memorandum of Understanding (2020-2025) with Sophia University (est. 1913), one of the top private Universities in Japan. With agreements with 370 overseas universities in 77 countries, Sophia University led the move of internationalization of Japan enhancing teaching and research for its faculty and students, fostering reciprocity for others to do the same in Japan; it is regarded as Japan’s pioneer in Global Education.

The Program of Work will be led by the Bay Academy and the counterpart institution at Sophia University – Institute for Studies of the Global Environment. It will focus on joint and articulated professional certificate programs; grant writing, teaching, research and cultural activities; mobility of faculty, scholars, and students between institutions; and develop and share STEAM educational materials, among other areas of collaboration.

This partnership is expected to be mutually beneficial and will increase the national and global reach for both institutions. The synergy aims to further increase collaborations between the United States and Japan, and steadfastly tackle ocean conservation issues globally.

Island Sustainability Course

As part of this partnership, we have developed a graduate-level/mid-career professional level course entitled “Island Sustainability”. This course was held in the Colombia, South America in early 2020 with 12 participants in the 14-day course. The 2021 Course is scheduled for February, 2021 in the Marshall Islands, Pacific Ocean and will have 20 spaces for subscription to be open on August 1, 2020 through the Bay Academy. The course will be taught by Prof. Anne McDonald (Sophia University), Dr. Juan Serrano (Javeriana University, Colombia) and Dr Dayne Buddo (Bay Academy), who have a combined experience of 90 years in marine research and ocean conservation. The course will teach the fundamental concepts of island ecology, sustainable development on islands, biodiversity and human welfare, engaging participants with case studies through field projects in the Marshall Islands.

Online Programs and Resources:

The Academy continues to develop several online resources to facilitate access to accurate information and appropriate learning tools. Teachers, students and parents have been using these resources to enhance K-12 learning. The Academy’s team of Educational Specialists regularly updates materials, and develops new modules based on the dynamic needs of the audience. \

At Home Learning

Looking for ways to learn and explore science topics with your kids at home?

You can continue learning at home through our free lesson plans for K-12th students. They each include art activities, writing practice, and experiments you can do with household supplies!

Plastic Free Campus

Bay Academy has joined forces with Plastic Free Campus in the fight against plastic pollution in our Oceans. And it starts with you! You can make a difference in this global challenge that affects us all by learning key concepts, strategies and actions to make a positive impact on our health and environment.

Aquarium of the Bay – Educational Video Lessons:

Students and teachers across the Bay Area, the US, and the Caribbean are engaging with our biologists in interactive video tours of the Aquarium of the Bay. Each live interactive session showcases the interesting animals in our facility and ties back to Next Generation Science Standards. During these interactive lessons, students have the opportunity to ask the biologist key questions.

• This program is currently fully booked.
• To inquire about future offerings, please send an email to [email protected]

On-going Courses

Diving for Citizen Scientists Course

The Bay Academy has developed a diving course geared towards citizens with scuba certification who want to get more involved with ocean conservation.  The course will be led by NAUI Master Instructor, Doug Apple, Manager of Education & Outreach at Aquarium of the Bay with support from Chris Grace, PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer and Aquarium of the Bay’s Dive Safety Officer.

Dive Schedule:

May 13 & 14

July 29 & 30

October 7 & 8

December 2 & 3

You would earn 2 NAUI Specialty Certifications:

• NAUI Underwater Naturalist (3 dives)
• NAUI Kelp Restoration Diver (2 dives)
• One fun dive led by a NAUI Dive Professional

Students also receive training and knowledge from our team at Aquarium of the Bay about the interesting facts on the aquatic wildlife in the Bay Area. This will include the opportunity to do a single dive in our 370,000 gallon Nearshore Tunnel exhibit. This unique experience will provide you the opportunity to get up close to thousands of fish including giant sea bass, garibaldi, numerous rockfish and perch species to highlight a few.

If you are interested in doing more diving at the Aquarium, consider joining our team of volunteer divers. This is a weekly opportunity to help care for the nearly 20,000 animals that call the Aquarium home. On SCUBA, assist with underwater maintenance of our aquarium exhibits, including vacuuming and scrubbing, preparing diets and performing broadcast and targeted feeds to a variety of animals.

NOTE: A California Sportfishing License is required for Kelp Restoration Dives.

Sign up for the Course today, as space is limited!

At-Home Academics start immediately, and the Open Water Dives start December 10 & 11, 2022!

Contact [email protected] with any questions.

Internships

The Bay Academy offers internships that seek to build our program while offering interns the opportunity to build their skills and career. We are currently offering 2 Internships:

Email: [email protected]