USC Sea Grant Receives Prestigious Award for Youth Summer Social Justice STEAM Camp
USC Sea Grant recently received the prestigious Champion of Girls Award at the 2024 Pathmaker Awards Gala, an event celebrating extraordinary contributions to women’s empowerment. Hosted by the EmpowHer Institute and presented by JP Morgan Chase and Edison International, this year’s Gala theme, “She Is,” honored trailblazers who are breaking barriers and shaping a more equitable future for young women.
The EmpowHer Institute, a prominent nonprofit based in Los Angeles, is dedicated to empowering girls and young women in marginalized communities. Their mission focuses on equipping these individuals with essential skills through education, training, and mentorship to become confident, college, and career-ready. Each year, the organization supports over 1,000 Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) girls, aged 11-18, in underserved areas throughout Title I middle and high schools across Los Angeles County.
At the Gala, USC Sea Grant was honored to receive the Champion of Girls Award for our program’s steadfast support of EmpowHer’s mission. The award specifically acknowledged USC Sea Grant’s partnership with the EmpowHer Social Justice STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) Camp, a program that provides BIPOC girls ages 11-15 in Los Angeles County the opportunity to explore STEAM as a means to tackle environmental justice issues affecting their communities. Maria Madrigal, USC Sea Grant’s Education Manager and the lead for this partnership, accepted the award on behalf of our program.
Over the past three summers, this free, five-week program has engaged students in a variety of knowledge-building activities focused on marine biodiversity, maritime history, and marine protected areas with an environmental justice lens. Participants were also provided hands-on learning experiences, including snorkeling and kayaking at the USC Wrigley Marine Science Center on Catalina Island. Through USC Sea Grant’s and the EmpowHer Institute’s dynamic partnership, 75 future marine scientists increased their ocean literacy, five became PADI Certified SCUBA Divers, and eight became ASA 101 Keelboat Certified Sailors.
“I was absolutely thrilled to attend the EmpowHer Institute’s Pathmaker Awards Gala and celebrate their incredible work that elevates the lives of youth in their programs,” shared Madrigal. “It was an even greater honor to receive the Champion for Girls award in recognition of our partnership. The collaboration between USC Sea Grant and the EmpowHer Institute epitomizes how we can achieve more by combining our strengths and resources to better serve our youth.”
The event also celebrated the achievements of three Betty LaMarr PATHMAKER Award recipients and acknowledged the unwavering support from over 50 sponsors, ranging from local community clubs to notable organizations and companies, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Google, and Paramount. USC Sea Grant is proud to stand alongside this impressive collective of supporters who are committed to uplifting the next generation of leaders.
Looking forward, USC Sea Grant is excited to continue its partnership with the EmpowHer Social Justice STEAM Camp in 2025.
“By empowering youth with knowledge, immersive experiences, and tangible skills, we can look toward a brighter and more sustainable future for all,” says Madrigal.
