At Coral Restoration Foundation™ (CRF), we believe that meaningful change starts with educating the community. Thanks to the support of a three-year grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), our “Coral Reefs and You” program is shaping the future of ocean stewardship right here in the Florida Keys.
Now completing its first full academic year, this groundbreaking program has already made a difference across Monroe County, reaching 1,434 students in 15 schools through a dynamic combination of classroom learning and unforgettable in-water experiences. With two more years of funding ahead, the momentum for this program is just getting started.
Built to Make an Impact
“Coral Reefs and You” is designed to introduce students at key learning stages, including 5th, 8th, and 12th grade, to the science of coral reef ecosystems, restoration techniques, and the human connections that tie communities to these fragile environments.
Each grade level experiences four interactive classroom sessions covering topics from coral anatomy and reef ecology to environmental threats and restoration strategies. The curriculum is tailored to meet students where they are developmentally:
- 5th graders explore basic coral biology and human interactions with reefs.
- 8th graders dive into ecosystem services and their role in ocean stewardship.
- 12th graders tackle advanced restoration methods and the socioeconomic importance of healthy reefs.
These lessons culminate in snorkeling trips to Florida’s Coral Reef and the CRF coral nurseries, providing students with a powerful, hands-on connection to the ecosystems they’ve studied.
Real Reach, Real Results
- 1,434 students participated in classroom sessions across Monroe County.
- 444 students and chaperones took part in snorkeling field trips, despite the challenges of hurricanes, storms, and unexpected cancellations.
- Over 250 hours of classroom instruction delivered.
- More than 2,400 hours dedicated to outreach, field experience, and follow-up.
- 18 snorkel trips successfully launched across 11 schools (even with 41 boat cancellations due to weather and logistics!)
In preliminary surveys, students reported a +0.7 point gain in understanding coral ecosystems and a +1.1 point gain in understanding the human-socioeconomic connection to reefs. Even more encouraging, students showed a noticeable increase in their personal commitment to stewardship activities after completing the program.
The Team Behind the Success
This level of achievement would not have been possible without the incredible dedication, flexibility, and expertise of the CRF education team.
Special recognition goes to Cecelia Dolaz, Katie Hall, and Emma Thomson, each of whom brought unmatched passion, creativity, and leadership to both classroom and field components. Their work ensured that every student interaction, even in the face of unexpected challenges, was educational, inspiring, and safe.
We also extend heartfelt thanks to Chandler Wright, a former CRF team member whose contributions during the program’s early phases laid a strong foundation for its ongoing success.
Their commitment to excellence, problem-solving, and student-centered learning turned obstacles into opportunities and created lasting memories for hundreds of young ocean stewards.
Building a Lasting Legacy
By combining science, real-world experiences, and community connection, the “Coral Reefs and You” program is equipping the next generation with the tools, knowledge, and passion needed to protect our oceans.
With two more years ahead, CRF is excited to build on this success. We will continue to refine the curriculum, expand snorkeling access, enhance multilingual resources, and reach even more students across the Keys.
Ready to dive deeper into education and restoration? Learn more about our programs and get involved with CRF today.
Explore Our Education Programs Here
Written by: Chelsea Co, Digital Marketing Coordinator
