USA Blue Schools Endorsed as a UN Ocean Decade Action
We are proud to share that USA Blue Schools has been officially endorsed as a United Nations Ocean Decade Action under the name Ocean Literacy with USA Blue Schools.
USA Blue Schools are K–12 schools across the United States committed to advancing ocean literacy through hands-on stewardship and social action projects. Students, teachers, families, and community members work together to improve understanding of the ocean’s role in our lives while taking meaningful action to protect local waterways and ecosystems.
The program began in 2022 as part of the Global Blue Schools Network, which now spans about 60 countries. In the U.S., more than 50 schools have joined the network. Schools have taken on projects such as invasive species removal, wetlands restoration, microplastics monitoring, recycling initiatives, and climate-focused education.
As an Ocean Decade Action, USA Blue Schools aims to:
Integrate the seven Ocean Literacy Principles into primary and secondary classrooms.
Provide teachers and students with opportunities to connect directly with marine scientists, educators, and professionals.
Support action projects that turn knowledge into practice, improving environmental health and community sustainability.
Expand connections with schools worldwide, strengthening the Global Blue Schools Network.
Many participating schools serve low-income and underrepresented students, helping to build equitable access to ocean literacy and open pathways to marine science careers. Regional initiatives include Hawai‘i Blue Schools Hui, which partners with place- and ʻāina-based organizations and indigenous knowledge holders, and the Tri-State Blue Schools, serving New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
With support from the NOAA Office of Education, the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA), and funders including Sea Beyond and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the initiative is growing quickly. Since January 2023, USA Blue Schools has engaged thousands of students and community members in learning and action to build a more ocean-literate and sustainable future.
Learn more about the program and explore resources on our USA Blue Schools page.
