About JSIS
Providing New Hope, New Ideas, and New Attitudes
Our Goal
Our goal is to create new divers, scientists, and engineers who possess the passion and skills to not only enjoy the ocean, but work to protect it. JSIS is designed to expose kids to a meaningful, educational program combined with on-the-job training, hard work, and opportunities to solve real-world problems right in their own backyards. The new experiences, new places, new people, and new approach will create new hope, new ideas, and new attitudes. Instead of choosing from well-traveled, often-overcrowded trails, JSIS is blazing new ones. The intention is to help our youngest citizens create their futures through exposure to STEAM concepts as well as marine science and technology content through activities which require critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving, all under the guidance of experienced educational leaders and professionals in STEAM fields.
Les Burke
Founder, DSO
Paul Washington
CEO, DCB
Joshua Simmonds
Director of Programs, DCB
Courtlandt Butts
Atlanta Chapter Mentor, DCB
Tara Burt
Family Liaison
Ron Boyce
Chapter Mentor, DCB
Activities
We teach diving physiology, diving physics, equipment safety and usage. Participants have the opportunity to earn their Scuba Diver (or Jr. Scuba Diver) certification after completing all classroom, contained water, open-water, and final examination requirements. Participants may choose to continue their diving education by taking First Aid and CPR classes, diving specialty classes, and pursuing their Advanced Diver/Jr. Advanced Diver certification. Plus, students learn American Academy of Underwater Sciences scientific diving and research techniques.
Trained dive professionals, scientists, and teachers supervise each phase of the JSIS program. Jr Scientists learn science, ecology, place-based aquatics, and environmental awareness by participating in the following activities:
- Coral Reef Surveys, Propagation, and Restoration Initiatives
- Fish and Invertebrate Identification and Surveys
- Researching and Locating Invasive Species
- Maritime Heritage and Underwater Archaeology Activities
- Underwater videography and photography
- Use of remote operated vehicles (ROVs) and drones
- Safe Boating and Navigation Classes
- Public Speaking, Communications, and Writing for a Purpose Workshops