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Why does your support matter? You see, the health of animals like whales, our ocean and humans are interconnected. Yet the greatest threats to whales are caused by humans.

We’ve made positive impacts before—like freeing whales from ocean trash and conducting vital research that led to shipping lane changes—all because of this caring community.

Today, you can get your gift matched and help provide double the tools and resources experts need to continue this critical work. Together, we can protect these gentle giants and their ocean home.

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humpback whale flukes
an educator from The Marine Mammal Center holds up an image of a baby monk seal while on the beach

Nā Kōkua o ke Kai: Inspiring the Next Generation of Marine Scientists

  • Currently serving five middle schools and 500 students on Hawaiʻi Island.

Nā Kōkua o ke Kai is a Hawaiʽi-focused marine science program that provides middle schools access to curriculum that is connected to Next Generation Science Standards, Nā Hopena Aʻo (HĀ) Framework, Ocean Literacy Principles, and ʻŌlelo Noʻeau (Hawaiian proverbs and poetical sayings).

Reaching middle school students at a formative time in their lives, Nā Kōkua o ke Kai provides an opportunity for students to discover and explore real-world connections to their classroom studies, and design and implement projects that address conservation challenges and identify community solutions. 

two students look up at a giant coral reef ecosystem display
photo by Elena Graham © The Marine Mammal Center

Teachers gain access through an online portal to lesson plans, teaching tools, and videos to help provide their students with an interactive learning experience. 

Currently serving middle schools throughout Hawaiʻi Island, Nā Kōkua o ke Kai includes teacher training and funded, place-based field experiences for students to Ke Kai Ola, our Hawaiian monk seal hospital in Kona, and to Mokupāpapa Discovery Center in Hilo.

Request more information

two students point out at the ocean from the beach in Kona
photo by Glenn Morello © The Marine Mammal Center
an educator provides a tour of the NELHA facility during a field trip
photo by Glenn Morello © The Marine Mammal Center
an educator talks to students in front of a giant map of Hawaii
photo by Elena Graham © The Marine Mammal Center
an educator shows a student a specimen
photo by Elena Graham © The Marine Mammal Center

How to Apply

Registration is currently closed for school year 2023-2024 and will reopen in May 2024 for the 2024-2025 school year. 

If you are interested in learning more about this program and how your school might partner with The Marine Mammal Center in the future, please fill out our contact form.

*Nā Kōkua o ke Kai applications are open to educators only. If you are a student or parent interested in this program, please share this opportunity with your school. 

Request more information

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer Nā Kōkua o ke Kai for elementary school students? High school students?

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At this time, Nā Kōkua o ke Kai is only offered for the middle school audience. We have developed this curriculum especially for middle school students because they are in a challenging and transformative time and need programs tailored specifically for them. 

However, you may be interested in our Seal Stories program developed for upper elementary teachers and their students, or our many online learning resources.

We also offer other opportunities for elementary, high school, college and family audiences. 

Do you offer Nā Kōkua o ke Kai outside of Hawaiʽi Island?

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At this time, Nā Kōkua o ke Kai is only offered on Hawaiʽi Island, and a similar program, Ocean Ambassadors, is offered in California. However, we are currently exploring pilot opportunities for distance learning. Please reach out to us at learn@tmmc.org if you are interested in partnering with us to explore new opportunities.

Can I have access to the Nā Kōkua o ke Kai materials?

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Because the Nā Kōkua o ke Kai resources are considered proprietary information, only current participants are allowed unrestricted access. If you have a specific question or concern and would like to review the curriculum or other resources with us, please reach out to us at learn@tmmc.org.

You may also be interested in our Life By a Whisker curriculum designed for learners in grades 3-8 or our many online learning resources.

Our Funders

Nā Kōkua o ke Kai is made possible by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, Hawai‘i Community Foundation STEM Learning Partnership, the Cooke Foundation and many other generous funders of our education programs. The program is offered at no charge to schools, students or teachers so that financial constraints do not limit participation.

National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
Hawai‘i Community Foundation

Additional funding was made possible by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation Career Connected Learning Fund and the following funding partners: 

  • Anderson-Beck Kōkua a Ulu Fund
  • Annie Sinclair Knudsen Memorial Fund
  • GuavaGar Westfall Charitable Fund
  • Hokuli‘a Community Fund
  • Jack's Fund
  • Kirk-Landry Family
  • Kuki‘o Community Fund
  • Maunakea Fund
  • Pahiki Nui Fund
  • THINK Fund at HCF
  • Richard Smart Fund
  • Strada Education Network
two staff members at a table on the beach with a blue tablecloth featuring The Marine Mammal Center's logo
photo by Elena Graham © The Marine Mammal Center

Hosting a Community Event?

Conservation starts with education and outreach. That's why our educators focus on inspiring students to become marine science enthusiasts. 

Are you interested in having our staff participate in an upcoming community event you're hosting on Hawai‘i Island? Tell us more about your request.

Tell Us About Your Event

Hawaii, big island, marine science, ocean science, middle school, curriculum, field trips, NGSS, science education, STEM, teachers, resources, professional development