Oceanography Camp for Girls

who we are

Now in its 29th year, The Oceanography Camp for Girls (OCG) is an award-winning STEM precollege summer program for rising ninth graders. Over 1,000 teen girls have graduated from the program. The OCG continues to be an authentic, hands-on experience inclusive of all girls. OCG encourages participants to pursue technical careers in science and engineering through multidisciplinary, hands-on, practical experiences in both laboratory and field environments. We take campers aboard an ocean-going research vessel to collect real-time data at sea, conduct geology and ecology research during coastal fieldtrips, and engage students in practical laboratory research. We have recently incorporated an ocean blue economy component focused on designing and building underwater remotely operated vehicles, to parallel technologies and experimentation used towards development of renewable Blue Energy from the ocean.

At the USF College of Marine Science, our mission is to increase public understanding of the oceans through measurable, experiential community engagement programs. We believe that scientists have a responsibility to share their work with public audiences, and we empower them to do so. We are passionate about the need to inspire students of all ages, educators, and scientists with an understanding of, and responsibility for, science-based ocean stewardship.

the impact

The Oceanography Camp provides transformative experiences for teen girls as they interact with talented graduate students and dedicated leaders, who serve as science mentors and role models. Help change the world and encourage the next generation of women in STEM careers.  Thanks to the generosity of Drs. Peter and Susan Betzer, gifts to Oceanography Camp for Girls will be matched dollar for dollar, doubling the impact of your gift!  

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STORIES FROM OCG Campers and PARENTS

“It was a pleasure for my daughter Kelsey to be a participant in the Oceanography Camp for Girls. Given that we live at the very north end of Pinellas County, we had over an hour's drive each morning to get to campus, but the smile on Kelsey's face each afternoon when I picked her up told me it was so worth it. I recall her talking non-stop the whole way home about what they did that day. It has been wonderful to see how Kelsey has managed to combine her love for the ocean, gained largely from OCG, with her college degree. In both her internships and choice of employers, she chose to work in the marine industry, typically dominated by men. Her experience at the OCG taught her that no career is closed to young women with a passion. We are grateful to the OCG for instilling a passion for the ocean in Kelsey that continues to this day.”

- Jacquie Albina, parent of former OCG Camper, Kelsey (Albina) Barrett

“I am so happy to have come full circle with Oceanography Camp for Girls - from camper to science mentor to recent Ph.D. OCG gave me the chance to experience different aspects of marine science, and I loved every minute of it. At OCG, I was exposed to many scientific fields and learned some of the basic tenets of research and discovery. I also had the chance to meet USF professors and do lab experiments with their graduate students. I was hooked, and I knew after that, that I wanted to attend USF for graduate school someday!”

-Kelly Vasbinder, '20 Ph.D., College of Marine Science

The above video includes footage recorded prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.