About
MERITO Foundation Programs include environmental education, scientific research, outdoor recreation, marine conservation, green entrepreneurship, conservation, and citizen science field experiences. The programs also include outreach, public forums, assessments, and activities focused on climate literacy, ocean literacy, energy literacy, habitat restoration, leadership, and career pathways.
• Ages: 9–18 years old
The MERITO Foundation was formed in 2013. Its mission is to protect the ocean by engaging multicultural youth and their communities in transformative experiences in environmental education, scientific research, outdoor recreation, marine conservation, and entrepreneurship. The organization states a vision of a healthy ocean cared for by diverse coastal communities who live in an environmentally responsible manner regardless of native language, economic status, cultural beliefs, or ethnic background. It identifies four strategic pillars: Community Engagement; Capacity Building; Youth & Community Participation; Scientific Research & Habitat Restoration; and Outdoor Recreation, Leadership, Career Pathways & Green Entrepreneurship. Inclusivity and accessibility are stated as a priority, with an offer to meet at an accessible location in Ventura or connect via phone or video call if the office is not accessible.
The MERITO Foundation Inc. works closely with Federal, State, County, and Municipal Government Agencies, school districts, higher education institutions, and non-profit conservation organizations in the USA and abroad, and shares lessons learned with other regions near national marine sanctuaries where there is a need for ocean conservation education. A participant testimonial from Evelyn, a MERITO Foundation Outdoor & Environmental Steward for 2024–2025, describes learning lessons in leadership and ways to preserve marine life and keep oceans clean and thriving, and expresses gratitude for the experience with the program.
Last updated March 24, 2026.
• Ages: 9–18 years old
The MERITO Foundation was formed in 2013. Its mission is to protect the ocean by engaging multicultural youth and their communities in transformative experiences in environmental education, scientific research, outdoor recreation, marine conservation, and entrepreneurship. The organization states a vision of a healthy ocean cared for by diverse coastal communities who live in an environmentally responsible manner regardless of native language, economic status, cultural beliefs, or ethnic background. It identifies four strategic pillars: Community Engagement; Capacity Building; Youth & Community Participation; Scientific Research & Habitat Restoration; and Outdoor Recreation, Leadership, Career Pathways & Green Entrepreneurship. Inclusivity and accessibility are stated as a priority, with an offer to meet at an accessible location in Ventura or connect via phone or video call if the office is not accessible.
The MERITO Foundation Inc. works closely with Federal, State, County, and Municipal Government Agencies, school districts, higher education institutions, and non-profit conservation organizations in the USA and abroad, and shares lessons learned with other regions near national marine sanctuaries where there is a need for ocean conservation education. A participant testimonial from Evelyn, a MERITO Foundation Outdoor & Environmental Steward for 2024–2025, describes learning lessons in leadership and ways to preserve marine life and keep oceans clean and thriving, and expresses gratitude for the experience with the program.
Last updated March 24, 2026.
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