Ocean Discovery Institute Receives Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring

SAN DIEGO – The White House announced today that Ocean Discovery Institute has been awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring. It is the highest honor bestowed by the United States government for efforts that advance those fields of education. Ocean Discovery Institute is one of only three organizations in the U.S. to receive this 2010 award and the only organization on the West Coast.

The Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring, awarded by the White House to individuals and organizations, recognizes the crucial role that mentoring plays in the academic and personal development of students studying science and engineering—particularly those who belong to groups that are underrepresented in these fields. By offering their expertise and encouragement, mentors help prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers, while ensuring that tomorrow’s innovators reflect and benefit from the diverse talent of the United States.

Serving City Heights, a diverse and economically disadvantaged neighborhood in San Diego, Ocean Discovery Institute has for the past twelve years empowered “…young people from urban and diverse backgrounds to become tomorrow’s scientific leaders.” Its programs, which are tuition-free, enable “… young people to work toward protecting our oceans and natural environment, improve the health of our communities, and strengthen our quality of life.”

This work has resulted in increased science test scores, increased college attendance, and over 70% of students pursuing degrees in science and conservation. More than 5,000 low-income, diverse students participate each year, and Ocean Discovery Institute is expanding to serve 20,000 annually – empowering these young people to transform their lives, their community, and ultimately our world.

“Through their commitment to education and innovation, these individuals and organizations are playing a crucial role in the development of our 21st century workforce,” President Obama said. “Our Nation owes them a debt of gratitude for helping ensure that America remains the global leader in science and engineering for years to come.”

Ocean Discovery Institute will be presented with their award at a White House ceremony scheduled to take place on December 12, 2011 and will participate in a series of activities with the Office of Science and Technology Policy. In addition, the organization will receive a $25,000 award from the National Science Foundation to advance their mentoring efforts.

Through sponsorships and pro bono services, Procopio has been a long time supporter of Ocean Discovery Institute and their mission. Procopio partner Ted Griswold has served on the organization’s board for nearly ten years and has been selected along with four other directors and students to represent Ocean Discovery Institute at the White House awards ceremony. Griswold was chosen for his history with the organization as well as his background in science and law. Griswold received his undergraduate education in Biology, magna cum laude, from San Diego State University. He went on to earn a Master of Science in Coastal Ecology, from San Diego State University in 1987 before graduating magna cum laude from the University of San Diego School of Law in 1992. Griswold’s environmental practice includes extensive experience resolving habitat and wetland issues of all scales, as well as state and federal endangered species law, NCCP, land use permitting, water quality compliance and natural resource management plans.

About Ocean Discovery Institute

The mission of Ocean Discovery Institute (www.oceandiscoveryinstitute.org) is to engage, educate, and inspire young people from urban and diverse backgrounds through science-based exploration of the ocean and nature, preparing them to be tomorrow’s scientific and environmental leaders. Their vision is to empower young people from urban and diverse backgrounds to protect our ocean and natural environment, improve the health of our communities, and strengthen the quality of life in our world.

About Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP

With more than 110 attorneys in San Diego and Carlsbad, Procopio, Cory, Hargreaves & Savitch LLP is one of the largest full-services business law firms in Southern California. We are a local law firm with a global network that gives us the ability to serve our clients’ interests throughout the world. Procopio is dedicated to understanding the businesses and industries of our clients and collaborating with them to develop tailored strategies. We advise companies at every stage in the corporate life cycle, helping them to plan, finance and operate their businesses. Since 1946, our success has been derived from our commitment to our clients and our ability to maximize the value we provide to them. Our goal is to continue building long-term relationships with our clients through a steady, team-oriented approach. For additional information, please visit www.procopio.com.