Ocean Blue Project’s Blue Schools Shine on UNESCO Green Citizens!

Education is a powerful tool—and now, it’s getting global recognition!

Ocean Blue Project’s Blue Schools STREAM Education has been featured by UNESCO Green Citizens, a global initiative shining a spotlight on citizen-powered environmental efforts. Let’s dive into what makes this such a big deal—and why your support matters.

What Is UNESCO Green Citizens?

UNESCO Green Citizens is a global platform that celebrates local actors of change—people and projects making a real difference for our planet. The initiative covers big themes like biodiversity, sustainable education, water systems, indigenous knowledge, and (our favorite) the ocean.

UNESCO believes that global challenges need local action. That’s why they highlight projects that not only help their communities but also inspire others elsewhere. When a project gets featured, it gains visibility, support, and a chance to build partnerships.

And now, Ocean Blue Project’s Blue Schools is among those inspiring projects.

What Are Blue Schools?

Blue Schools is Ocean Blue Project’s K-12 STREAM education program. Launched in 2021, it teaches students to be ocean stewards by showing how our local waters connect all the way to our global One World Ocean.

The program was designed in collaboration with NOAA and aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). That means it meets strict education guidelines while staying flexible for classrooms, communities, and watersheds.

Lessons include:

• Understanding your local watershed.
• Learning about the pollutants that can harm drinking water and the ocean.
• Making connections between local actions and global marine health.

Blue Schools by the Numbers

In its pilot year (2021), Blue Schools reached:

• 1,200 students
• Across 40 classrooms in Oregon

As of September 20, 2023, the program is expanding—and fast. The plan:

• 200 schools per year
• In Oregon and Florida
• The long-term goal is to reach every student in the United States.

Why the UNESCO Green Citizens Feature Matters

1. Recognition of Impact
   Getting featured by UNESCO means Blue Schools is doing more than teaching—it’s offering a replicable, community-driven model that other educators and organizations can follow.
2. Global Visibility
   Being part of UNESCO Green Citizens brings international attention. That attracts new partners, volunteers, and perhaps fresh funding to help scale Blue Schools even further.
3. Staying True to UNESCO Themes
   Blue Schools fits right into UNESCO’s focus areas: education, ocean stewardship, hydrology, biodiversity, and local knowledge. That alignment strengthens the program’s credibility and impact.
4. Momentum for Growth
   With this added visibility, Blue Schools can gain traction—helping reach more schools in more regions, faster.

What Makes Blue Schools Special

• Real-World Learning
  Students don’t just read about ocean health—they study it through the lens of their own watershed. That makes learning meaningful and memorable.
• Flexible & Standards-Aligned
  Teachers can tailor lessons to their local context while still meeting NGSS standards and NOAA guidelines.
• Empowering Youth as Change-Makers
  Blue Schools raises real-world awareness and helps students take small steps—like reducing pollution—knowing it makes a difference.
• Community and Ecosystem Focus
  Students connect with their local water systems and see how their actions affect the environment, from their backyard all the way to the ocean.

Ready to Make Waves? Here’s How You Can Help

1. Explore Blue Schools
   Learn more about the program and how it works in classrooms: visit the Blue Schools page on Ocean Blue Project’s website.
2. Spread the Word
   Share the news! Post on social media, tag UNESCO Green Citizens, and use hashtags like #BlueSchools and #UNESCOGreenCitizens.
3. Volunteer or Partner
   Are you a teacher, educator, or organization? Reach out to support curriculum rollout or bring Blue Schools to new communities.
4. Donate or Support Crowdfunding
   Your funding helps supply equipment, training, and reach more classrooms. Every dollar helps expand ocean stewardship education. Donate to OBP here.
5. Teacher? Bring It to Your Classroom!
   Are you a teacher? See how Blue Schools can fit your grade and community. Tailor real-world learning that inspires students.
6. Parents & Community Members: Advocate for Blue Schools
   Talk to school leaders or administrators about adopting the Blue Schools curriculum. Together, we can surround every child with ocean stewardship education.

Blue Schools + UNESCO Green Citizens = A Brighter Future

This recognition isn’t just a win for Ocean Blue Project—it’s a win for students, ecosystems, and our planet.

Through Blue Schools:

• Students learn actionable science.
• Communities build environmental awareness.
• Ecosystems benefit from informed generations.

And now, with UNESCO giving Blue Schools its spotlight, there’s even more reason to join this movement.

Let’s Keep the Momentum Going

The ocean needs protectors—and today’s students can be the ones to lead the way.

Take action:

• Visit Blue Schools online.
• Share the UNESCO feature.
• Support educators and schools.
• Be part of a growing network that values local action for global change.

Because when students learn to care for their local watershed, they’re really caring for the planet. And now that Ocean Blue Project’s Blue Schools has UNESCO’s nod, this wave of change is just beginning.