Youth Ocean Stewards Program
Helping Our Keiki Be The
Stewards Of Our Oceans
Introducing our children to ocean conservation is more critical than ever, as they are the future guardians of our planet’s most fragile ecosystems. Scuba diving offers a powerful, immersive way to connect directly with the ocean and witness its beauty—and vulnerability—firsthand. When keiki descend beneath the surface, they aren’t just learning a skill; they’re stepping into the living world of coral reefs, sea turtles, and vibrant marine life. This direct experience fosters deep empathy and understanding, as they see with their own eyes how pollution, climate change, and human activity impact the ocean. It transforms abstract issues into personal responsibility, inspiring a lifelong commitment to protecting and preserving our marine environment.
"Mālama i ke kai" (caring for the ocean)
Michael, owner of Ocean Therapy Charters and a certified PADI Divemaster, believes that the opportunity to experience SCUBA diving is often out of reach for many young adults—whether due to financial barriers or simply a lack of exposure to the sport. He recognizes that without access to the ocean in this intimate, immersive way, many never develop the personal connection that inspires stewardship. By offering young people their first steps into the underwater world, Michael hopes to break down those barriers and help grow a diverse, informed community of young ocean advocates who will carry forward the mission of marine conservation.
Ocean Therapy Charters has launched a GoFundMe campaign to bring SCUBA diving, marine education, and ocean conservation front and center for the next generation. Our goal is to introduce 24 high school students over the upcoming school year to the transformative experience of SCUBA diving, while educating them on the importance of protecting Hawai‘i’s fragile marine ecosystems.
Funds raised will directly support essential program costs, including educational outreach, PADI course materials and certification fees, classroom rentals, pool sessions for confined water skills, dive charters for open water training, and insurance coverage for all participating students.
In addition to individual donations, we are actively reaching out to local businesses for sponsorship, partnering with conservation organizations for educational collaboration, and seeking support from beach and ocean cleanup groups to provide volunteer opportunities and mentorship.
With your support, we can break down financial and access barriers—and inspire a new wave of empowered, ocean-minded youth to become lifelong stewards of our underwater world.
"Kuleana" (responsibility)
Youth Ocean Steward Schedule
August 4, 2025 – Press Release, Program Annoucement
Sponsor request emails sent, volunteer opportunity emails, and Facebook posts.
GoFundme Fundraiser Live
September 1, 2025 – Program Launch & School Outreach
Schools across the region are notified about the Youth Ocean Steward Program. Students are invited to apply by submitting a short essay expressing their interest in ocean conservation and SCUBA diving.
November 15, 2025 – Essay Submission Deadline
All student essays must be submitted by this date to be considered for the program.
December 1, 2025 – Student Selection Finalized
Accepted students are selected based on their essays. Notifications are sent to students and parents, including next steps and program expectations.
January 1, 2026 – Program Launch & eLearning Distribution
With funding in place, students receive their eLearning materials for the SCUBA certification course. Class and pool schedules begin posting. Max 12 students per pool session
Students participate in volunteer opportunities such as beach and ocean cleanups, reinforcing the values of "Mālama i ke kai" (caring for the ocean) and "kuleana" (responsibility).
February 2026 – Open Water Boat Dives Begin
Students begin their open water training dives aboard Ocean Therapy Charters. Sessions are capped at 6 students per class to ensure safety, personalized instruction, and a meaningful experience in the ocean.
Learning acivities with local Coral Restoration groups, Waikiki Aquarium
March 2026 – Students Complete Open Water Training and receive thier Certifications
Learning acivities with local Coral Restoration groups, Waikiki Aquarium