Frequently Asked Questions

The Aquatic Futures Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a sustainable future for our oceans through inclusive marine-science education, hands-on training, and mentorship.

We are committed to empowering the next generation of ocean stewards—especially from underrepresented communities—to build careers in marine conservation and scientific diving.

Our mission is to provide equitable access to ocean science education and career pathways, with an emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and real-world field experience.

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We focus on community-based education, hands-on training, mentorship, and opening doors for underrepresented groups in marine sciences.

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Our programs are designed for aspiring marine conservationists, students, young adults, and community members who are interested in marine science, aquatic environments, scientific diving, or careers in ocean stewardship.

We especially welcome individuals from diverse or historically under-represented backgrounds in marine science who are motivated to engage in hands-on learning and conservation action.

We offer:

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• Field research experiences and scientific-diving training.
  
  
• Educational outreach and mentorship connecting learners to experienced professionals in marine conservation.
  
  
• Community events and inclusive aquatic experiences to broaden access to the ocean environment.

‍

The Aquatic Futures Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a sustainable future for our oceans through inclusive marine-science education, hands-on training, and mentorship.

We are committed to empowering the next generation of ocean stewards—especially from underrepresented communities—to build careers in marine conservation and scientific diving.

Our mission is to provide equitable access to ocean science education and career pathways, with an emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and real-world field experience.

‍

We focus on community-based education, hands-on training, mentorship, and opening doors for underrepresented groups in marine sciences.

‍

Our programs are designed for aspiring marine conservationists, students, young adults, and community members who are interested in marine science, aquatic environments, scientific diving, or careers in ocean stewardship.

We especially welcome individuals from diverse or historically under-represented backgrounds in marine science who are motivated to engage in hands-on learning and conservation action.

We offer:

‍

• Field research experiences and scientific-diving training.
  
  
• Educational outreach and mentorship connecting learners to experienced professionals in marine conservation.
  
  
• Community events and inclusive aquatic experiences to broaden access to the ocean environment.

‍

We are officially registered in California (entity filed Feb 2, 2024).
Our founder and CEO is Kory Lamberts, a dive professional and environmental-studies background leader who is committed to inclusive aquatic experiences.

We are funded through donations, grants, and partnerships. Donations are tax-deductible as the organization is a 501(c)(3).

Your contributions directly support our programs: for example, field gear, certifications for students, chartered research trips, and operational support.

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You can donate through our website’s “Donations” page. Every donation helps empower the next generation of ocean stewards, fund hands-on research, and ensure under-represented voices are included in marine conservation efforts.

Support may also come in the form of volunteering, partnerships, sponsorships, or participating in events. You may sign-up your interest to volunteer here: https://forms.gle/aPg4NTMaM9cgG6KX7

If you are interested in participating in one of our educational or training programs, please contact us via the website or email (info@aquaticfuturesfoundation.org) to inquire about upcoming cohorts, eligibility, and application details. Enrollment often requires an interest in marine science, readiness for hands-on work, and commitment to learning.

No prior professional experience is necessarily required. Many of our programs are designed to introduce participants to marine science, diving, and conservation work. However, some advanced training (especially scientific diving) may require certifications and prerequisites — you will be informed as part of the program details.

While we are based in Southern California, our mission is to broaden access to ocean science in diverse communities. Program availability may be localized initially; please check our website and contact us for current locations, outreach events, or virtual opportunities.

Yes. We welcome partnerships with schools, community groups, and organizations interested in marine-science education, outreach, or collaborative projects. Please reach out to us via our contact page to discuss partnership opportunities.

You can join our community email list via the website, follow us on Instagram (instagram.com/aquaticfutures), and check our blog or events page for upcoming opportunities.

We track metrics such as number of participants trained, certifications earned, research projects completed, and increased diversity in marine-science pathways. We also gather feedback from participants and partners to continuously improve our programs and inclusivity outcomes.

If you have Marine science experience, diving credentials, education/outreach expertise, or a passion for mentoring diverse learners, we’d love your support. Please contact us through our website and describe your interest, credentials, and availability.

For program inquiries, donation questions, volunteer or partnership interest, please email info@aquaticfuturesfoundation.org or use the contact information on our website. We typically respond within business days.