Discover our Bay
Marine Science Institute
About the Project
The Marine Science Institute's Inland Voyage Program opens the door for underserved youth from Santa Clara County to experience the wonders of the San Francisco Bay through hands-on, inquiry-based marine science education. For many of these students, this is their first encounter with the diverse marine life that thrives just beyond their community. The program provides a unique, immersive opportunity to bridge the gap between inland and coastal environments, helping students understand their connection to the Bay's ecosystems and the role they play in sustaining them. At the heart of the Inland Voyage Program is an experiential learning expedition. During their voyage, students transform into marine scientists for the day, engaging directly in the practices of scientific investigation. They collect and analyze real-world data, examine plankton and benthic invertebrates under microscopes, measure water quality and identify local fish and invertebrate species.