Port of San Diego Awards $60,000 Grant to Expand Environmental Education for CVESD Students

In order to expand environmental education for Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD) students, the Port of San Diego has awarded the district a $60,000 grant over the next three years. This funding will benefit more than 7,000 students annually, ensuring equitable opportunities to participate in science experiences aligned with California’s Next Generation Science Standards.

A cornerstone of this student-centered initiative is the Coastal Education Program (CEP), an immersive science and environmental learning experience that sparks curiosity and introduces students to future career pathways. In collaboration with the Living Coast Discovery Center (LCDC), the program engages transitional kindergarten through eighth-grade students in hands-on exploration of the San Diego Bay’s natural habitats, fostering both scientific understanding and environmental stewardship.

In addition to supporting CEP, the grant will fund a variety of initiatives that broaden the reach and impact of environmental education across the district. The grant will fund:

• 23 different CEPs focused on topics such as habitat restoration, pollution prevention, watershed protection, and waste reduction.
• Transportation for approximately 5,000 students per year to visit the LCDC.
• Admission for all kindergarten through fifth-grade students from Harborside Elementary. • Career and Program Badges for participating students.
• 500 free passes annually for students to return with their families.

Over the past three years, the Port’s contributions have supported more than 26,000 students. Since the program’s inception, over 61,600 CVESD students have benefited from this impactful learning experience. “This partnership directly supports our mission to prepare students for the future,” said CVESD Superintendent Dr. Eduardo Reyes.

“By connecting science learning with real-world career pathways, we’re opening doors to new possibilities and encouraging students to see themselves as future leaders, innovators, and caretakers of the world around them.”

CVESD is proud to continue its collaboration with the Port of San Diego in fostering environmental stewardship, academic excellence, and future-ready learning.