Oceanography Camp for Girls: Celebrating 30 Years!

the project

Now in its 30th year, the Oceanography Camp for Girls (OCG) is a FREE, award-winning, STEM precollege summer program for rising ninth graders. Over 1,000 teen girls have graduated from the program.  The OCG is an authentic, hands-on experience that encourages participants to pursue technical careers in science and engineering through multidisciplinary, 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. 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.

who we are

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

YOU can 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!

what your gifts will do

Inspire confidence and encourage our girls to consider a career as a scientist! See what one of our campers had to say about her experience: 

“At age 13, I remember being very excited to attend the Oceanography Camp for Girls! I loved the sea and wanted to learn about what a career would be like in marine science. As a young teenager, I remember being amazed and inspired by, not only the exposure to high academic and professional level material that OCG provided, but also by the incredibly wonderful people who were involved in leading, teaching, and attending the camp. The OCG helped me personally develop as a budding marine scientist, but it also helped give me confidence as a young woman entering high school and the world. I was fortunate enough to give back to the camp both as a returning counselor, and more recently as a science mentor. I am living my career in marine science as a fisheries biologist.”

spread the word

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