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Marine Discovery Center

Florida

Grant amount:

$5,000

The ShORE Symposium (Sharing Our Research With Everyone) is a free, local Student Research Symposium (SRS) hosted by the Marine Discovery Center in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Designed in the spirit of professional scientific conferences, the symposium brings together high school and undergraduate students to engage with environmental research focused on the Indian River Lagoon. Students are invited to submit research abstracts and request either an oral or poster presentation; approximately 15–20 students are selected to present, while additional students attend the symposium to learn from peers and professionals. Participants interact with representatives from universities, state organizations, STEM school districts, nonprofit organizations, and local agencies, gaining exposure to real‑world applications of science. The 2026 theme, “Yes, In Your Backyard,” emphasizes local stewardship and introduces opportunities for citizen science, education, and science‑related careers within the community. With support from a $5,000 YLACES grant, the ShORE Symposium will directly engage approximately 70 students (including presenters and student attendees) and more than 200 additional participants, including educators, scientists, and community members, with expanded access through a live‑streamed attendance option. Grant funds will support facility rental, food, student transportation, and supplies for hands‑on and service‑based activities, ensuring the event remains free and accessible. The symposium provides students with an authentic opportunity to experience a research symposium environment, share their work, and connect with the local scientific and civic community.

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About YLACES:

Youth Learning as Citizen Environmental Scientists assists and rewards the implementation of inquiry-based, experiential science education where students do science and contribute to the understanding of our environment through recognition and financial reward programs.

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Grants range from equipment and supplies for taking environmental measurements to recognition and support for students presenting their research projects and working for pervasive inclusion of student research projects in science teaching. 

Notice of Non-Discrimination:

YLACES does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, marital status, source of income, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or retaliation in the administration of its programs or activities, as is required by applicable laws, regulations, and executive orders. It is the policy of YLACES to support organizations, projects, and programs that do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or any other legally protected characteristics. YLACES does not knowingly award grants to organizations that discriminate in their hiring, those they accept as volunteers, or the clients they serve. YLACES seeks to accommodate all who need support to the maximum extent possible.

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YLACES is responsible for coordination of compliance efforts and receipt of inquiries concerning the non-discrimination requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; and other applicable federal non-discrimination laws, including, but not limited to, Section 13 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 and 40 C.F.R. Part 7.

 

If you have any questions about this notice or any of YLACES’ nondiscrimination programs, policies, or procedures, you may contact:

Dixon Butler

President, Youth Learning as Citizen Environmental Scientists

1920 Quincy Street, NW

Washington, DC 20011

(202) 302-0302

dixon@ylaces.org

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© 2026 by Youth Learning As Citizen Environmental Scientists.

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