Sharks4 Kids Inc

Sharks4Kids is a Florida-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit creating the next generation of ocean stewards through education, outreach, and adventure. Sharks act as a gateway to inspire and engage students in conservation. By combining free, standards-aligned curricula with immersive learning experiences, Sharks4Kids is giving students opportunities to learn from scientists, participate in community-based research, and experience marine ecosystems firsthand. 

Founded in 2013, Sharks4Kids has reached more than 270,000 students through programs delivered in 15 countries in person, 80 countries virtually, and all 50 U.S. states. Increasing in demand, this work is founder-led with over 30 global volunteers.

Our Impact through Grassroots Community

From virtual lessons to scientific research experiences, our work is delivered through partnerships with schools, leading conservation organizations, universities, government agencies, and community groups. Our partners include Mission Blue, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University's Guy Harvey Research Institute, Miami's Field School, and Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. Across the Caribbean, our partnerships include the Turks and Caicos Ministry of Education and Department of Environment and Coastal Resources, as well as the Bahamas Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources Management and Bahamas National Trust. Our educational resources are used by teachers, homeschool programs, camps, aquariums, and community organizations worldwide, and our work has been featured by BBC, CNN, National Geographic, Ranger Rick, and Scuba Diving Magazine. 

We empower volunteers and partners originating from the communities we serve as marine science ambassadors and mentors. These relationships do more than extend our reach. They build local ownership of ocean education and give students access to mentors who understand their communities. They also help young people see that careers in science, conservation, diving, and ecotourism are within their reach, and that they can play a meaningful role in protecting the natural resources their communities depend upon. 

Tangible Conservation in Action

Founder Jillian Morris, a marine biologist, author, and National Geographic-certified educator, was recently named Marine Science Educator of the Year by the Florida Marine Science Educators Association, recognizing her leadership in advancing marine science education. Her collaboration with Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida and top female scientists at Miami Field School is empowering girls to see themselves as scientists. To date, Sharks4kids has connected with over 175,000 students in Florida. 

In Bimini, The Bahamas, a decade of programming has reached 100% of students at government schools and 80% at private schools- transforming the community’s relationship with sharks. Despite the Bahamas being the shark diving capital of the world and bringing in over $100 million annually, teachers were reluctant to chaperone shark and ray field trips when Sharks4kids first began offering programs. Today, schools request trips for their entire faculty, and summer camps reach capacity, with students and parents eager to join. 

Through Project Lemon Aid in Turks & Caicos, our programs have connected with more than 5,000 students through in-person lessons. In the field, 120 local students and teachers have participated in shark research, contributing to the first ISRA (Important Shark and Ray Area) in Turks & Caicos and demonstrating how student curiosity can drive meaningful conservation outcomes.

Why use Sharks to Promote Ocean Conservation?

Despite the ocean's importance, marine science remains underrepresented in K–12 education. Many educators lack ready-to-use, standards-aligned curriculum and engaging resources that connect students to the marine environment. Sharks4Kids was founded to help close this gap, using sharks as a powerful gateway to ocean literacy. Whether students begin with fear or fascination, sharks capture their attention and open the door to broader conversations about marine ecosystems, conservation, and environmental stewardship. This need is especially significant in coastal communities throughout Florida, The Bahamas, and the Caribbean, where healthy oceans sustain ecosystems, livelihoods, and local economies. Yet economic and systemic barriers can leave students disconnected from the environment that surrounds them.

A Proven Model Ready to Scale

Over the past decade, Sharks4Kids has built an internationally recognized model for ocean education through innovative programming, strong partnerships, and a lean, highly effective operating structure. With more than 30 global volunteer marine educators and proven impact across the communities we serve, demand for our programs is quickly outpacing our capacity. The next chapter of Sharks4Kids is not about proving our model. It is about building the organizational capacity to meet the demand for high-quality marine education.