This award provides support to establish a Florida Center for Ocean Science Education Excellence that will serve as a regional hub with a strong emphasis on the integration of ocean research and education. The partnerships to be established include a diverse mix of institutions: three state universities, one private university, four state and federal research entities, multiple informal education entities and public schools and systems from three different geographic areas in the state. Stakeholders and audiences for the Florida COSEE include ocean scientists, K-12 teachers, preservice undergraduates, state and school-district decision-makers and the general public. Specific activities will include workshops and outreach using multiple formats and platforms. There will be a strong focus on diversity with the technology group for the Center located at Florida A and M Univesity, a historically African American institution. On a national scale, the Center will nurture development of new model programs for educator-scientist training and collaborations.This COSEE Center will establish a dynamic mosaic of partners that have excellent potential to promote the use of the ocean sciences as an interdisciplinary vehicle for effectively integrating research and education at multiple levels in Florida. The key role to be played by the state's primary historically black university will strengthen minority outreach and enhance educational and career opportunities for the diverse mix of ethnic, racial and cultural groups statewide.
