ESTUARY EXPLORATION EXHIBIT SPONSORSHIP/COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
OURMISSION
“USING THE OCEAN AS OUR CLASSROOM, WE INSPIRE CHILDREN TO LEARN.”
ABOUT OI...
The Ocean Institute, founded in 1977, is a communitybased 501(c)(3) organization that educates 100,000 children, teachers, parents, and visitors annually through over 60 marine science and maritime history programs. We are located on 2.4 acres in the Dana Point Harbor; adjacent to a Marine Protected Area. The facility is an ocean education center that offers in-depth marine science and maritime history programs. The Institute includes state-of-the-art teaching labs, the spectacular Maddie James Seaside Learning Center, a historic tall ship, and an oceanographic research vessel. Immersion-based field trips range from one-hour science labs to multi-day programs at sea. All programs are designed to maximize immersion, spark curiosity, and inspire a deep commitment to learning.
OURIMPACT
SCHOOL PROGRAM METRICS
~18,000 students and teachers served annually through formal K–12 programs.
50+ distinct school programs, with strong demand for coastal ecology and watershed experiences.
Adopt-A-Class sponsorships ensure Title I schools have access to transformative field trips, fostering equity and lasting community connections.
Hundreds of teachers participate each year, representing dozens of Southern California school districts.
These educators are key multipliers for SCWD’s conservation messaging in their classrooms.
Average daily capacity for school programs during peak season: 300–500 students/day.
Multiple classes simultaneously rotate through labs, boats, and outdoor sites—including our new Estuary Exploration Center stations.
OURIMPACT
NGAGEMENT
~100,000 total annual visitors to the campus
Includes families, tourists, local residents an audience aligned with SCWD’s service area.
Weekend & seasonal visitors:
~300–500 visitors/day on peak weekends.
High capture rate for interpretive exhibits and signage.
Estuary Exploration Center will be directly on the guest circulation path between the main building, touch tanks, wharf, and gift shop/café.
RIMPACT
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
Maritime Festival: Ocean Institute’s signature event.
~10,000+ attendees over 2 days.
Multiple sponsorship and branding opportunities (banners, booths, printed materials, main stage recognition).
Past sponsors include corporate, municipal, and foundation partners seeking high community visibility.
Annual March Gala: Premier Event
Attended by Ocean Institute’s top donors, corporate partners, civic leaders, and community supporters
Sponsorship opportunities for branding on event materials, signage, and program features
Recognition during program remarks and on donor honor rolls
WHYSPONSORTHEESTUARY EXPLORATIONCENTER?
EXPLORESOUTHERNCALIFORNIA’S UNIQUEESTUARINEHABITATS
Immersive, interactive exhibits showcasing the dynamic meeting point of fresh and saltwater.
Local species, habitats, and ecosystem services presented in engaging, student-friendly ways.
HANDS-ONSCIENCEAND CONSERVATIONLESSONS
NGSS-aligned field trip modules focused on real-world inquiry and data collection.
Interactive displays on pollution prevention, habitat restoration, and climate resilience.
Experiential learning that builds problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
HIGHLIGHTLOCALWATERSHEDHEALTHAND WATERRESOURCERESILIENCE
Trace the journey of water from inland watersheds to the Pacific Ocean.
Educate visitors on stormwater management, conservation practices, and water quality protection.
Promote individual and community-level stewardship behaviors that protect SCWD’s service area.
Reinforces your leadership in delivering clean, reliable water while protecting natural resources.
Demonstrates commitment to environmental education, sustainability, and community engagement.
Provides a lasting, visible investment in the next generation of water-wise residents.
PARTNERSHIPOPPORTUNITY:ESTUARYEXPLORATIONEXHIBIT
SUPPORT LEVEL: $50,000 SPONSORSHIP
Recognition & Branding
SCWD logo/name on exterior fenceline at exhibit entrance
SCWD logo wrapped on ROV tank
SCWD logo, signage, and educational materials featured in exhibit’s P-Lab
Ocean Institute will provide signage specifications and sizes for your design team
Additional Partnership Benefits
Explore using Ocean Institute as a venue for SCWD quarterly or annual meetings
Boardroom or Surf Deck space options
Flexible scheduling coordinated with our events team
Frequency and timing tailored to sponsorship level and needs
AUDIENCEMETRICS&REACH
100,000
total visitors, students, teachers/ year
website visits annually
250,000
25,000
Instagram + Facebook Followers
300,000
Newsletters Subscribers
24,000+19,000
Average monthly views on social media
TOGETHERWEWILL...
INSPIRE STEWARDSHIP FOR OUR LOCAL WATERSHEDS
EDUCATE THE NEXT GENERATION
BUILD A LASTING LEGACY OF CONSERVATION
KAITLYN DAVIDSON SENIOR DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING MANAGER
