Marine Science Institute Dives Into the Blue for STEM Education

As part of Matson’s mission to improve the communities in which we work and live, Matson Giving recently made a donation to Marine Science Institute (MSI) in Redwood City, Calif. Matson’s donation will provide low-income K-12 students free visits to premier, hands-on marine STEM education. Students will gain observation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while in direct contact with marine animals and the natural environment.

All donations to MSI help educate tens of thousands of people in marine science and environmental stewardship through school programs, family events, Marine Science Camps, and Coastal Cleanup Days.

Matson is a long-time supporter of MSI, founded in 1970 by Robert and Carolyn Rutherford. MSI’s philosophy is based on the idea that putting students in direct physical contact with their local bay environment will help cultivate their natural sense of curiosity, enrich their understanding of science, and foster a responsibility to protect the environment.

The Institute’s first program, Discovery Voyage, took students aboard the research vessel Inland Seas out onto the water, where they came into contact with live animals, used scientific equipment, and participated in hands-on science. In 1992 the Institute created landbased programs to accommodate more students and welcome younger participants. These included the Shoreside, Inland Voyage, and Tidepool programs.

Over the decades, MSI continued to grow–expanding programming to include new topics and themes and keeping up with ever-changing educational standards.

In 1998, Marco Shipyards of Seattle completed construction on Robert G. Brownlee, a 90-foot research vessel now used for the Discovery Voyages. Able to accommodate up to 70 students, Robert G. Brownlee conducts four-hour expeditions on the San Francisco Bay, where students discover what life exists in the estuary and how we are connected to it. Students rotate through four stations using scientific methods and research equipment to examine different types of sea life.

“Thank you for being a driving force behind the Marine Science Institute,” expressed Jenna Nguyen, institutional funding manager at MSI. “Matson’s generosity has kept our floating classroom (Robert G. Brownlee) in peak shape, having helped fund our annual ship haul-out (dry-dock). Your latest contribution will substantially support our environmental science education programs for low-income Bay Area schools, putting K-12 grade students in direct physical contact with marine animals and the natural environment.

“We’re also excited to share that our $2.5 million capital campaign, Future Improvements for Ship and Shore (FISSH), has launched! MSI is taking on much-needed infrastructure projects, such as aquarium enhancements, safety projects, and education upgrades. Your continuing support is greatly appreciated. We can’t wait to share our FISSH journey with you!”