The Center for Aquatic Sciences was founded in 1989 with the mission of: “education and youth development through promoting the understanding, appreciation and protection of aquatic life and habitats.” In performing this mission, the Center strives to be a responsible member of the community, assisting in its economic and social redevelopment by providing opportunities for education, enrichment and employment. Education programs include programs for school groups in our on-site classrooms and aquarium auditorium, including inclusion programs for special needs students and those on the autism spectrum. Additionally tours, scout programs, the overnight program, and teacher professional development workshops all engage visitors in aquarium-based educational opportunities. Outreach programs served an additional 9,000 children and adults from New Jersey and Pennsylvania last year. The Center also partners with schools in both Camden and Philadelphia to embed programs during the school day and to facilitate quality educational after-school experiences. As part of a team teaching biology and AP environmental science courses, the Center strengthens the in-school experience for the students by developing lesson plans and providing expertise both in the classroom and on field trips. The Center also develops, manages and implements afterschool science education programs with multiple schools as a partner in 21st Century Community Learning Centers. The Center’s flagship program is CAUSE (Community and Urban Science Enrichment). CAUSE is a many-faceted science enrichment program for children and youth. The program has been extremely successful, boasting a 100% high school graduation rate and for the last nine years a 100% college enrollment rate (up from 95% in previous years), and has gained local and regional attention as a model for comprehensive, inner-city youth development programs, focusing on intense academics and mentoring for a manageable number of youth.
