Exploring the Ocean and Shaping the Future

"It’s not just about knowledge – whether we’re watching students take their first breaths science diving ... or pilot a robot through Bermuda’s blue spaces – these programs are about building confidence, skills, and purpose. We can’t wait to kick off another season of discovery and help young people realize just how much they’re capable of.” 

Each summer, the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences’ (ASU BIOS) Ocean Academy opens the door to a world of discovery for Bermuda’s youth through a series of immersive, hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs. The four distinctive initiatives are designed to inspire the next generation of ocean scientists, engineers, and environmental leaders by giving them first-hand experience in marine science, research, and innovation.

Ocean Science Camp, running between July 21st – 25th, is an exciting introduction to marine biology for students aged 12 to 15. It caters to young ocean enthusiasts who may not have previously had the chance to explore marine science. Through snorkeling, boating, and engaging field trips, students delve into Bermuda’s rich ecosystems, food webs, and the dynamic life on local reefs. The camp even includes a PADI Discover SCUBA Diving experience, giving students their first taste of breathing underwater which is a powerful moment for many aspiring marine scientists.

For older students aged 14 to 16, Marine Science Internship is running from August 4th – 15th,  and takes experiential learning a step further. This two-week program builds essential STEM and research skills, blending laboratory investigations, field excursions, and team-based projects. A focus on SCUBA confidence and scientific diving allows participants to conduct their own research project as they gain crucial skills and confidence in marine science fields.
 

The Innovations for the Environment program, held the week of July 14th, is a high-tech dive into the world of marine robotics and data-driven science. Part of the award-winning MARINE (Mid-Atlantic Robotics IN Education) initiative, this program supports students aged 14 to 17 and explores how novel technology is used to collect ocean data and model complex environmental issues. It’s an exciting opportunity for students to interact with the real tools of oceanography and see how innovation drives understanding and stewardship of our planet.

For young adults aged 18 and older, Bermuda Program offers a prestigious and transformative experience between early June and late August. Since 1976, nearly 300 Bermudians have participated in this intensive research-focused opportunity, working full-time alongside our scientists on research projects. Many participants go on to pursue university studies and careers in science, including our own Mark Guishard and Rachel Parsons, both alumni of the program.

ASU BIOS’s director of education and community outreach, Kaitlin Notes, shares that “every summer, we look forward to welcoming a new wave of ocean enthusiasts to ASU BIOS’s campus. It’s not just about knowledge – whether we’re watching students take their first breaths science diving, collect their first samples, take a great underwater photograph or pilot a robot through Bermuda’s blue spaces – these programs are about building confidence, skills, and purpose. We can’t wait to kick off another season of discovery and help young people realize just how much they’re capable of.” 

Through Ocean Academy, ASU BIOS continues to inspire curiosity, foster scientific literacy, and build lasting connections between Bermuda’s youth and the ocean that surrounds them. 

These programs are made possible with the generous support of our donors. Their philanthropic contributions ensure our transformative educational experiences are accessible to the next generation of ocean stewards.