Guardians of the Gulf

THE PROJECT

Florida is ground zero for climate change and natural hazards that threaten its future — demanding action and meaningful engagement with all sectors of society. As a leader in coastal resiliency with expertise in sea level rise, fisheries management, red tides, oil spill response, developing and evaluating education outreach programs and more, the USF College of Marine Science has launched Guardians of the Gulf in partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Suncoast. Leveraging the power of real-time, multisensory tools, the program will foster an appreciation of the natural environment, empower children to realize what is at stake and inspire each toward action. Their future, as well as the future of Florida, depend upon it. 

COVID-19 has shown us the health of humans and the health of the planet is a tightly woven connection. We must cultivate a healthier relationship with the blue planet on which we live — from our own backyards to our coastlines and beyond. 

Who We Are 

The USF College of Marine Science has partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Suncoast, the St. Petersburg Innovation District, the City of St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg College, USF on the St. Petersburg campus, Spectrum (Charter Communications), U.S. Ignite and Future Vision Multisensory Media to develop this program, which can be scaled to other coastal cities in Florida and nationwide. 

What Your Gift Will Do

Your gift of any size will make it possible to bring the Guardians of the Gulf project to youth from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Suncoast. We will leverage the power of technology to take kids where they normally can't go — and we'll combine web-based educational experiences (news-style broadcasts, gamified learning journeys) with hands-on activities and in-field excursions that reinforce concepts, stimulate inquiry and sustain engagement. Anchoring the experience will be a children's book written with a Guardian of the Gulf as the central character who encounters many challenges these children will face themselves. 

Spread the word

We are counting on your help!  Make an even bigger impact by sharing your support of this campaign by clicking on the social media tools at the top of the page.

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During this historic and unprecedented time, be a part of #BullsUnited and support children in becoming the Guardians of the Gulf by making a gift of any size at usf.to/Guardians. #ONEUSF

Thank you and Go Bulls!