USA Blue Schools Network
About us
It is critical that we are continuing to discuss the importance of ocean literacy with broad audiences, because the health of our ocean ultimately affects human health. — Dr. Meghan Marrero
The USA Blue Schools are part of a growing global network of schools committed to improving ocean literacy of teachers, students, families, and community members. Blue Schools students engage in hands-on stewardship and social action projects to improve the health of their local watersheds and our global ocean.
Long Island Sound Study/University of Connecticut: Long Island Sound Schools
In 2023-25 twenty New York and Connecticut schools along the Long Island Sound watershed and its surrounding areas were participants in the Long Island Sound Schools Network with a focus on disadvantaged communities. Mini grants funded place-specific projects based on the research and priorities of the Long Island Sound Study. These topics include climate action, marine debris, salt march ecology, water quality or more. The schools implemented projects in their local communities and presented their projects in a Student Symposium at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, Connecticut in March 2025.
Blue School Projects
Student Symposium at the Maritime Aquarium
National Marine Educators Association /SEA BEYOND Group Tri-State Blue Schools
In cooperation with UNESCO, The Prada Group is supporting educational programs in the framework of their “Sea Beyond” initiative to develop the next generation of stewards for our one ocean. Through a collaboration with the National Marine Educators Association, 16 schools in the NY Tri-State area are on their way to becoming Blue Schools in 2025.
Cornell University/Water Resources Institute: Hudson Watershed Schools
Three pilot “Hudson Watershed Blue Schools” infused ocean literacy learning into their curricula and engaged students in action projects that included hands-on stewardship leading to healthier waterways and improved student ocean literacy. Past action projects have included water quality monitoring, native plant gardening, advocating for plastic bag and straw bans, and campus water use assessments.
Prada Possible Conversations: “Sea Beyond” in New York & Tokyo
Dr. Meghan Marrero was invited to speak on the USA Blue Schools and the ocean literacy efforts at two Prada Possible Conversations events this year. The international events drew fashionistas, funders and educators to learn and discuss our ocean and how we can protect it.