Marine Debris Program Leads Workshop at the Coastal Ecosystem Learning Center (CELC) Network Virtual Youth Summit

AUGUST 16, 2021 ─ On Saturday, August 7, the Marine Debris Program’s Education Specialist, Alexandria Brake, led a workshop at the Coastal Ecosystem Learning Center (CELC) Network Virtual Youth Summit. The CELC Network is a consortium of 25 aquariums and marine science education centers located in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, which is coordinated by NOAA’s Office of Education.

Two hands decorated with healthy sea creatures amid a sea filled with debris, over the text “Together we can make a difference.”
“When you see the effort and care that someone puts into making art about marine debris, it makes you want to care about it too,” commented one student at the CELC Virtual Youth Summit when analyzing student artwork to make change. Image credit: Mia C., Grade 8, Texas.

The CELC Virtual Youth Summit was a weekend of virtual interactive workshops and action project planning for select high school students who volunteer with the 25 aquarium partners. Each group of teens took away new skills, new connections, and a plan for how they will take action in their home community to protect coastal and marine ecosystems. 

Twelve students attended the “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Community Approaches to Tackling Marine Debris” workshop. They practiced strategies for monitoring marine debris in their area (including engaging with data visualization through the Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project), analyzed different ways to communicate the issue of marine debris, and generated ideas for action projects designed to make a difference. 

The Marine Debris Program looks forward to continuing to advance the ways we can work with and inspire young change makers in a virtual environment.

For more information, contact Alexandria.Brake@noaa.gov.

Last updated Tuesday, November 8, 2022 1:42pm PST